A A

New Canadians Angelina and Edward Lado of St. John’s received a cheque for $2.5 million Friday morning from Atlantic Lottery.

And with the win, Edward is planning what he said was the most important trip of his life.

“My mother, whom I have not seen since I was an infant and have no memory of, is in a refugee camp somewhere in Uganda,” Edward said in a news release from Atlantic Lottery. “I will go to find her and hopefully bring her here. It’s very hard for me to believe that is now possible.”

It’s the largest prize Atlantic Lottery has ever awarded on a Scratch ‘N Win ticket sold in this province.

Angelina Lado of St. John's at the Atlantic Lottery presentation Friday.

The Lados arrived in Canada 14 years ago, according to the news release.They became Canadian citizens 11 years ago.

Edward is studying electrical engineering and Angelina, a cook at a local restaurant, was home by herself when she scratched the ticket, the news release said.

“I thought my eyes were failing me, so I called my husband and said, ‘Honey I think we just won a lot of money,' ” Angelina said.

The couple have four children ranging in age from six to 17 years old, and they will each have an education fund as a result of the winnings.

“We would also like to purchase a new home here,” Edward said, "St. John’s is our home now.” Angelina said the word “vacation” was never before in her family’s vocabulary and so, it's possible now.

Edward and Angelina told Atlantic Lottery they also plan to give back to organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador that welcomed the couple when they arrived in the province, and have supported their family for the past 14 years.

The Multi-Millionaire Scratch 'N Win ticket offers a top prize of $2.5 million.

Angelina purchased the ticket at Marie’s Mini Mart on Hamilton Avenue in St. John's. The retailer will receive a seller’s prize of one per cent.