Shuswap man planning early retirement and cross-country camper trip after winning $500K

A lucky Lotto Max punter is planning to retire early and drive across Canada in a camper trailer after winning $500,000.

Michael Hewlett bought his winning ticket – for the July 13 draw – at the Matchbox Smoke & Vape Shop in Salmon Arm.

“My first thought was that I don’t have to go to work tomorrow,” he said.

Hewlett, from Sorrento, said the windfall means he can retire three years earlier than he previously planned.

Since his wife is also retired, work on the bucket list can now begin right away – with a drive across Canada top of Hewlett’s list.

“We’re hoping to purchase a camper trailer,” he said.

“I’ve always dreamed about traveling back to Quebec to see my family, and to travel to the East Coast with my wife.”