Lotto win for Alberta man who lost house in Fort McMurray fire
- Published
Bill Pendergast says he will buy himself a Mustang car
A Canadian couple who lost their home in a massive wildfire two years ago has found themselves C$1m ($795,000; £572,000) richer.
Bill Pendergast and his wife home burned down in a wildfire dubbed "The Beast" due to its size and ferocity.
The fire devastated Alberta's Fort McMurray in 2016 - about 10% of all structures in the town were destroyed.
On a recent trip to visit his ill father in Newfoundland, Mr Pendergast bought a lotto ticket on a whim.
His father had asked him to pick up a "cold 7 Up" drink at the store. He bought a Lotto 6/49 ticket at a local petrol station as well.
He was staying at his aunt's house when he woke up on Sunday 4 February to a commotion. A winning ticket had been purchased at the petrol station.
He drove straight over and the store confirmed the win.
Mr Pendergast, 50, called his wife, who immediately booked a ticket from Fort McMurray to Newfoundland.
"This is all like a dream," he said.
The family plans on booking a trip somewhere warm and will finish rebuilding and furnishing their home.
Mr Pendergast also had one other dream to fulfil.
"I have always wanted a Mustang, and I will finally have one, I'm 100% sure of that," he said.
