297,116 reasons to smile

When Anne Goulding of Acton checked the winning numbers for the LOTTO 6/49 draw on the Internet Saturday night, initially she was irked that their ticket was only one number away from winning the $4 million grand prize. She still wasn't too impressed when her husband Bruce finally convinced her that they had won second prize, figuring they would only end up with a few thousand dollars, but when she found out they had actually won $297,116 she was thrilled. "I'm overwhelmed and very excited," said Anne. "This win came at a good time." Timing of the win couldn't be better as the couple that both work at Cooper Standard Automotive in Georgetown, have been on temporary lay-off for the past two weeks. The couple picked up their cheque for the March 18 draw at the Ontario Lottery Corporation in Toronto Monday afternoon. They won with five numbers and the bonus number on a free Quick Pick ticket they got at Royal Jug City in Acton. While Anne couldn't sleep Saturday night, and was out at a local variety store picking up the winning numbers for verification at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Bruce remained low key until he had the cheque in his hands. "It is a big win," said Bruce. "It's not retirement, it's clean up the bills, and don't worry about money for a while." The 27-year Acton residents, who are regular lottery players, have shared their winnings with their daughter and son-in law Tara and Dave Metcalfe of Georgetown, and plan to use the rest of the windfall to buy a house and pay off bills. The biggest prize they had won before Saturday's win, was $1,000 about eight years ago in a British Columbia lottery.