$1-M lotto winner can't be rushed

From: Winnipeg Sun, Canada
Oct. 17, 2002

By STAFF

One of three huge lottery jackpots up for grabs was claimed yesterday by a Winnipeg man, who knew immediately that he'd won but waited seven weeks to claim $1 million.

Hing Tim Hung, a 63-year-old retired engineer, walked into the Western Canada Lottery Corp.'s office yesterday morning to collect his jackpot from the Aug. 24 Lotto 6/49 draw.

Tim Hung, who is hearing impaired, opted against appearing at a press conference. WCLC spokesman John Matheson said Tim Hung knew he was a winner since the night of the draw after watching the results on TV, but wanted to get his financial plans in order before collecting.

"And he said 'I wanted to get a new hearing aid,'" Matheson added with a chuckle.

Tim Hung, married with two grown children, put the ticket in a fireproof safety box for seven weeks, while planning out his strategy.

Hard to explain

"I just don't believe it ... to have that kind of luck," he said in a WCLC release. "It's hard to explain (to someone) how you feel when this actually happens to you."

Tim Hung will share his jackpot with family, while a portion may go into a small business.

The lucky ticket, a $5 quick pick, was purchased at the Relay Shop at the Winnipeg International Airport.

Another $6 million in jackpots remains unclaimed, including $1.36 million from a March 30 Lotto 6/49 and $5 million from the April 12 Super 7. Both winning tickets were purchased in Winnipeg.

Jackpots not claimed within one year from the draw date go into bonus jackpots, promotional draws or guaranteed jackpots.

Copyright © 2002, CANOE