'Impossible!' Sault man's holiday lights up with $250K lotto win

A resident of Sault Ste. Marie is $250,000 richer after winning a lottery prize in Instant Holiday Riches (Game #2390).

Steve Mazzuca, a husband and father, said he is an occasional lottery player, and normally plays when jackpots are high.

“This ticket was a gift my wife tucked in my Christmas stocking,” he said at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto where he picked up his winnings.

The 47-year-old works in healthcare and was getting ready to host his family for Christmas dinner when he discovered he'd won, the OLG said in a news release.

“When the turkey was in the oven, I took a quiet moment to play my ticket. I saw I won and was shocked. I kept saying, ‘This is impossible!’ My wife and I scanned the ticket using the OLG app – I was crying tears of joy,” he said.

“I looked at my kids and felt so good knowing this will give them everything they need to pursue their education.”

Mazzuca said the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and community has been incredibly humbling.

“I give a lot to my community, and it means a lot to have their support and encouragement. It’s unbelievable and surreal.”

He said he plans to use the money to help his kids with their education and save the rest for their future.

The $10 winning ticket was purchased at Rexall on Second Line.