The jackpot is expected to be $2.2 million on April 23 when Chase the Ace madness resumes in Sydney, N.S.
Glace Bay, N.S., resident Janet MacDonald didn't pick the ace on Saturday night but she still won the split of $327,747.
“It was surreal,” said MacDonald. “It was like a dream. I didn't even believe it was happening. Then they took you in the little room to verify your ticket and you just hope you have the right number.”
With thousands of people lining to the streets of Sydney for tickets, MacDonald didn't think she'd be lucky enough to win.
She was back home in Glace Bay when her number was drawn.
“My sister-in-law went in at five o'clock to wait for the draw,” said MacDonald. “She called me when they drew the ticket and I sped out of here and made it in there. It was crazy. I couldn't find my keys or my jacket or anything.”
MacDonald shared the news with her husband via Facetime, as he is working away in British Columbia as a labourer. With the lack of jobs in the area, the win makes the move a little easier.
“I didn't believe it,” said James MacDonald. “I was jumping around like a maniac up here. It takes a lot of stress off me.”
There will be six cards left in the deck for the next draw two week’s from Saturday’s draw.
“It comes down to the fact that we simply need the time,” said Chase the Ace organizer Stephen Tobin. “At this point we need that time for planning and logistics. On top of that, our hard-working volunteers that have been at this now for 46 weeks deserve and need a break.”
Macdonald says she's splitting her winnings with family, paying off bills and maybe taking a trip. But says she'll be back buying tickets when the draw resumes.
With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
