'We're just very excited': Marion Bridge, N.S., man claims Chase the Ace jackpot
Two days after cashing in on the big Chase the Ace jackpot in Dominion, N.S., Martin Duffney still can't believe his luck.
“We decided that someone here would flip the card and the woman on the phone was saying, 'Left or right?' I asked my wife, 'Which one, left or right?' And she picked left and that was the one,” said Duffney.
Flipping the ace allowed Duffney to claim the prize of $176,571.20.
It couldn't have come at a better time for the 64-year-old and his wife, Nancy.
"It's indescribable because it's going to allow us to keep our home. The option was there because of my situation when I turn 65, but now we're good to go,” said Duffney.
The fundraiser lasted a year and was down to just two cards on Saturday.
It became an event the entire community got behind.
“They loved it. Pretty well every business in town sold our tickets and the last number of weeks, it's been crazy. People have been driving from Baddeck just to go to one store here in town to buy tickets, every business was busy,” said Paul Prince, past president of the Dominion branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and one of the game’s organizers.
Money raised will help with renovations at the legion, and also go towards the Hawks Dream Field project.
For years, the project has been fundraising for a $3.5 million accessible baseball field in the community.
“We're very close to our numbers. The actual work is supposed to be finished on June 23 with the grand opening on July 2,” said Toni McNeil, co-chair with the Hawks Dream Field Project.
Meanwhile, Duffney says he will be splitting his big win with his daughter and planning to take a trip or two.
“It's like we're still high on adrenaline, that's just what it's like. We're having a hard time sleeping. We're just very excited,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Halifax-area wildfire still out of control, 'many' structures destroyed
Officials say a wildfire that began in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday afternoon is ongoing and still not under control.

Provinces must seek anti-smoking measures in Big Tobacco settlement: health groups
Three national health organizations want Canada's premiers to push for initiatives to reduce smoking during settlement negotiations with major tobacco companies, years after provinces sued to recoup health-care costs.
Election day: Alberta voters go to the polls, expected nail-biter between UCP, NDP
It’s election day in Alberta in what polls suggest could be a nail-biter finish between the province's two dominant parties.
A Southwest pilot had to crawl into the cockpit window after the flight deck door was locked
It's never fun to be locked out – whether it's from your house, your car, or a commercial airliner.
Here are some travel tips from a former flight attendant, pilot
Upcoming summer vacations could mean trips to the airport. These tips from a former flight attendant could make the process go smoother.
Canadian companies adopt 'stay interviews' as workers rethink careers, needs
The discussions, which some companies call 'stay interviews,' are designed to collect feedback from employees and are aimed at learning what the company can do to retain valued team members and keep them happy.
Nova Scotia's modern 'gold rush' poses huge risk to climate, expert warns
Nova Scotia is embarking on what many are calling its fourth gold rush — but instead of panhandling for chunks of gold, mining operations in the province today consist of massive tailings ponds, enormous open pits extracting small traces of gold and a climate toll that one expert says we’re not properly tracking.
Former Steelers, Jets running back Le'Veon Bell says he smoked marijuana before games
Former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell says he smoked marijuana before playing some NFL games during his career.
Venice authorities investigate after canal turns fluorescent green
Venetian authorities are investigating after a patch of fluorescent green water appeared in the famed Grand Canal on Sunday morning.