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The stunning generosity of a Canadian lotto winner

LOTTO

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Cerith Gardiner - published on 06/20/22

When Marcel Lussier won a huge sum of money, his first thought was to help others.

Many people dream of winning the lottery in hopes it will end their financial woes, or allow them to splurge on things they’ve always wanted. But when Marcel Lussier from Brossard, Montreal, heard he’d won a whopping $70 million in the Canadian Lotto this month, his thoughts turned to helping others.

Lussier, who has retired from Hydro-Quebec, stated that he wanted to use some of the money to help rebuild Ukraine, and is already discussing the possibility of donating pre-fabricated homes with an entrepreneur.

The self-confessed history buff also wants to put his money to good use closer to home. In a project that he describes as being “close to his heart, ” according to Montreal Gazette, he wants to build a center that helps adults with autism in Quebec.

As well as being philanthropic, Lussier has also shown his romantic side. With plans canceled during COVID, he wants to take his wife on a cruise and he also hopes to indulge in his passion for history by traveling more to broaden his research on historical figures that he’s been studying since his retirement 20 years ago.

The loving husband shared with CTV News that when he checked the lottery’s website the morning after the draw “it was a normal day like the others, no stress. I was calm, natural.” But when he saw his numbers come up he could feel his blood pressure rise.

It’s refreshing to see someone make such noble plans for their lottery windfall. Hopefully Lussier’s contributions to his favored causes will bear much fruit for years to come.

Tags:
Acts of KindnessCanadaMoney
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