A Blenheim woman has turned a weekly routine into a $250,000 windfall.
Deborah Newton recently took home the top lottery prize after playing Instant Crossword Deluxe.
The retiree said she has been buying one or two lottery tickets each week for nearly 25 years and is thrilled to be celebrating her first big win.
Initially thinking she had only won $25,000, Newton was shocked when she took the ticket to be validated.
“I saw the prize amount on the screen and realized I’d actually won $250,000!” she said, beaming. “It was a jaw-dropping moment. I was surprised and very happy.”
Newton said she plans to use her winnings to buy a new vehicle, complete some renovations, and invest for the future.
The winning ticket was purchased at Morning Calm Convenience on Talbot Street in Blenheim.