A family from Saint-Michel in Charente, France, who won just over €50 million (£42.6 million) on the EuroMillions jackpot in 2009, continue to support their town's 3,200 residents through a range of projects. The mayor has praised the winners, saying the entire community still benefits from the windfall today.
Generosity began 17 years ago
The family's generosity started 17 years ago when they settled the debt of a local nursing home and made a €400,000 (£343,000) donation towards the town's 'Housing for All' scheme. That contribution represented 20% of the town's total annual budget at the time.
Today, the family still puts their wealth to good use. They have paid for the local school's cafeteria ever since their jackpot and spent €80,000 (£69,000) to upgrade its facilities. As a result, all 180 pupils can buy a nutritious meal every day for just €1.50 (£1.29).
Mayor's praise and local reaction
Thankful mayor of Saint-Michel, Fabienne Godichaud, told Lo Ici La Rochelle: "Their wish has now translated into a capital investment, addressing a reality: our schools no longer meet current standards regarding acoustics, air conditioning, or - at the very least - summer comfort."
Godichaud also told the AFP: "It's a bit like a fairy tale. The entire community is actually benefiting from this windfall. These people could have chosen not to share it with their fellow citizens. It's a wonderful lesson in civic responsibility."
Sandrine Pelletier, who now works as a maintenance staff member at the school she attended more than 40 years ago, said at the time: "It will be a welcome change, because the primary school dining hall, for instance, really needs it."
Family remains anonymous
The modest family has opted to stay out of the spotlight and keep their identities private, maintaining the same everyday routines they followed before striking it rich. Their warm-hearted gesture prompted an outpouring of praise from locals, who left heartfelt messages in a guestbook at Saint-Michel's town hall.
"I explained to my children the beauty of your gesture and the fact that such generosity is the mark of people with huge hearts," one mother wrote.
EuroMillions history and upcoming Superdraw
Since the first EuroMillions draw was held on February 13, 2004, there have been 603 jackpot-winning tickets from nine countries across the UK and the continent. UK players have benefited the most with 137 winners over 22 years, with France a close second with 133.
However, the maximum prize of €250 million (£214 million) has never gone to a UK winner. That sum has only ever gone to players in France and Ireland. A EuroMillions Superdraw will take place on Friday, September 25, offering players the chance to win €130 million (approximately £110 million).
The EuroMillions website explains: "Superdraws are special events which only take place a few times a year. They work in the same way as regular draws, apart from one exciting difference - the jackpot is guaranteed to be huge! There doesn’t need to be a long run of rollovers to build up a nine-figure prize; instead, you can mark the date on your calendar to make sure that you take part. The money for Superdraws comes from a Reserve Fund - a pot which receives a small portion of the prize fund from every draw. The Reserve Fund is primarily used to ensure that the minimum jackpot of €17 million can always be offered, but it is also used to pay for various promotions such as Superdraws. Even if the jackpot is won in the draw on Tuesday 22nd September, it will be bumped all the way up to €130 million for the Superdraw."
