Sometimes the most ordinary day can turn extraordinary in the blink of an eye. Just ask Sim Chua of Mackenzie, who walked into the familiar lotto kiosk at Mackenzie Mall on a routine errand and walked out a millionaire.
Chua's winning ticket from the May 14th Lotto 6/49 draw was worth exactly $1 million – and the moment he found out was straight out of a feel-good movie.
"I passed it to the retailer," Chua recalled about the moment that changed everything. "Before scanning, she was telling me about how someone won $1 million in Mackenzie. Then she scanned the ticket and then said, 'Hey, it's you!'"
The irony wasn't lost on anyone – the mystery million-dollar winner the whole town had been talking about was standing right there in the mall, ticket in hand.
Sharing the Joy
For Chua, the first person he wanted to tell was his sister, and her reaction was everything you'd hope for in such a moment.
"She was just screaming so much on the phone. She couldn't believe it!" he laughed.
Dreams Taking Shape
So what does a Mackenzie resident do with a million-dollar windfall? For Chua, the answer combines practical needs with a lifelong dream.
First up: a new car. But the real excitement comes when he talks about his dream fishing adventure.
"For my dream trip, to do some fly fishing!"
For someone living in northern BC, where outdoor adventures and pristine fishing spots are part of the lifestyle, having the freedom to pursue the ultimate fishing experience represents a dream many can relate to.
Still Processing the Win
When asked how it feels to suddenly have a million dollars, Chua's response was refreshingly honest: "I don't know what to do with myself. It's still unreal to me."
It's a sentiment anyone can relate to – that surreal feeling when life takes such an unexpected turn that your brain needs time to catch up with your new reality.
A Lucky Year for BC
Chua's win is part of what's shaping up to be a remarkable year for BC lottery players. So far in 2025, British Columbians have claimed more than $43 million in Lotto 6/49 winnings alone.
But for the residents of Mackenzie – a town where everyone knows everyone – this particular win feels especially sweet. It's one of their own heading off on the adventure of a lifetime, and in a small community, that's the kind of good news that brightens everyone's day.
Join the Conversation