Charles Coffey from Toronto celebrates winning the $25 million Lotto Max jackpot from the January 31, 2025 draw. Global News
Charley Coffey, an 81-year-old retiree from Toronto, recently won a massive $25 million Lotto Max jackpot from the January 31, 2025 draw. But instead of splurging on luxury items, he plans to use his fortune to support the causes he has championed for years.
A Life of Giving Continues
Coffey, who is also a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada, has spent decades supporting various organizations, especially those helping Indigenous communities. He believes the jackpot will allow him to make an even bigger difference.
“This win gives me the opportunity to sustainably support the causes I have championed for decades. I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout, and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice,” Coffey said in a news release.
Coffey is widely respected for his charity work. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs named him an Honorary Chief for his contributions to First Nations communities. He also received the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative Award from the Canadian embassy in the U.S., recognizing his efforts to promote equality and social justice.
A Shocking Realization
Coffey first discovered his win during a routine stop at his local gas station. While filling up his car, he grabbed a chocolate bar and decided to check his lottery tickets at the self-scanner.
“When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn’t a winner, but the other was. I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself, ‘That’s interesting!’” Coffey recalled.
However, he wasn’t wearing his glasses, so he decided to double-check. When he looked again, he realized he had actually won $25 million.
“I rushed home to get a second opinion from a family member. They read the numbers back to me as I checked them again. When we finally accepted the fact that the ticket was worth $25 million, someone suggested they take my pulse to make sure I was alive and seeing the amount of the win!” Coffey joked.
Staying Grounded
Despite the life-changing jackpot, Coffey remains humble. He credits his upbringing in a small New Brunswick town, where he was the seventh of nine children, for shaping his values of hard work, kindness, and generosity.
While his main focus is on giving back, he plans to do something special for himself and his family. He hopes to organize a memorable family vacation to celebrate the win and create lasting memories.
“I’m excited to plan a wonderful family holiday so that we can celebrate and make more precious memories together,” he said.
