The moment everything changed.

On his way out the door, Danny heard the phone ring. He picked up: “There was no one on the line, so I hung up.” Moments later, it rang again. “Don’t hang up! It’s the Heart & Stroke Lottery – are you sitting down?’” said the voice on the line. Danny quickly found the nearest chair.

“I realized…hey, this might actually be for real!”

As the caller confirmed his details and told him he’d won a $1 million Grand Prize, he still wasn’t completely sure: “I was told to check the website the next day…that’s when it sunk in. This was real!”

A cause that’s close to his heart.

Danny has been buying Heart & Stroke Lottery tickets for more than a decade. His commitment began after his partner died from a heart attack. Years earlier, his mother had passed away from a stroke. “Knowing that Heart & Stroke is working on preventative research – where lives can be saved with earlier diagnosis –makes me hopeful for others,” he says.

Paying it forward. 

With his winnings, Danny plans to provide his sister and disabled nephew with a cushion for their future and take a long-anticipated trip to Japan: “It was already in the works, but now I can upgrade from economy class!”

The rest will be invested, with interest going to local charities that are struggling to survive.  “That’s something I’ll keep doing for life – along with buying Heart & Stroke Lottery tickets!”

Big win or no win, it’s money well spent.

As a senior’s fitness instructor, Danny stresses the importance of keeping active: “It helps keep your heart and brain healthy.” His advice? “Buy that ticket. You’re helping to save lives, and it’s fun to dream…no matter what, it’s money well spent!”