A retired Canadian couple who won $11.3 million in the lottery in July have already given it (almost) all away.
“What you’ve never had, you never miss,” 78-year-old Violet Large explained to a local reporter.
She was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer when the couple realized they’d won the jackpot in July.
“That money that we won was nothing,” her tearful husband, Allen, told Patricia Brooks Arenburg of the Nova Scotia Chronicle Herald. “We have each other.”
The money was a “headache,” they told the paper–mainly, it brought anxiety over the prospect that “crooked people” might take advantage of them. Several people called them out of the blue to ask for money when the news first broke that they’d won the jackpot. So they began an $11 million donation spree to get rid of it and help others.
What a blessing! They have bigger hearts than I do and I admire them for that. I don't think I could have done the same thing. But, it did get me thinking. And, since you didn't ask, here's what I'd do if I had won that money…
– I'd pay off all my debt, cover college, and cover retirement for us, our parents and our kids. I think that would eat up a good $5-6 mil right there. Geez.
– I'd still work. And, I'd fully expect my husband and kids to still work for our daily needs/wants.
– After that, I have to admit that this couple inspires me. My passion is education and, in particular, for Hispanics (we have the lowest graduation rate). I'd ensure everyone in my entire extended family could *borrow* funds for college. Part scholarship, part loan. Then, I'd continue to branch out into my community. That would be worth more to me than staying at home, driving a sports car or living in some huge home.
Too bad I don't play the lottery, though.
@stephanie : I don't play the lottery too. The Canadian couple leaves behind a great legacy!