Smithville couple hits $23.3M jackpot

A retired manager from one of Hamilton’s steel mills is now $23.3 million richer.

Robert Donaldson, who is now a blast furnace consultant, and his wife Sandra, picked up the big cheque on Wednesday. They are now multi-millionaires after winning last week’s 649. The Smithville couple won over $23.3 million and Sandra kept it a secret for 5 days while Robert was in China on business.

“While he was away I had a hard time keeping it quiet. I didn’t want to tell him till he got home. Gave him a shock when he got home.”

Sandra bought the ticket at Rexall in Smithville, but checked it at the Foodland.

Others in the small town were happy for them. The Donaldson’s say this big cheque won’t go to waste. With a third grandchild on the way, they plan to help out their family.

“It’s so nice, feels so good to be able to help the family especially when they need it. So hard for kids to buy a house now.”

They don’t expect to make any major life changes but hope to give to charity down the road.