I wonder if they describe themselves as Christian?

I watched this couple being interviewed on The National on TV.  They are elderly; the wife has cancer and has lost her hair due to Chemo since they won big; they live in the neighbouring province. 

They mentioned some of the things they used the money for.  They did put a bit aside for themselves in case of emergencies, they gave some to their family - but the bulk of their winnings, over $11,000,000, they gave to charity.  They mentioned gifts to the church, to the hospital, to the Cancer society, and other charities.  They are contented.  They didn't do it for glory - they are a bit embarassed by the attention they are getting. 

They realized that money couldn't buy health - it couldn't stop the woman's cancer.  Her expenses were being covered by Medicare - the same as before.  They were contented with their home, with the car they drive now, with their lives.  They didn't need more.  

And they are still buying lottery tickets.  Apparently their church doesn't frown on this type of gambling, or if it does they are making their own choices. 

Beautiful story of good in the world, when most of what we hear and read is bad news.

I guess good news doesn't get much response.

I just hope they never need to go to a nursing home, because it doesn't seem to be enough money left for having private care at home....

mrs.anteater - I understood from the interview I watched that they had kept some back to look after themselves and for emergencies. 

Have you heard differently?   Did they disclose approximately how much that might be? 

Nursing homes and full time private care at home at both expensive.  I think they said that they gave some to the nursing home - perhaps they arranged for the possibility that they might need to be cared for there.

Perhaps they are content with their home and their lifestyle (except for her ill health of course), and at their age are content with how they will live out the remainder of their years.  It referred to them as elderly - not sure what age that means.

So . . . perhaps they feel they don't want a lot for themselves, except a nest egg to fall back on and to allow them to be comfortable, and so . .. they chose to give the rest away.  Perhaps it is their way of making a difference in the world and in other's lives.

My hubby and I probably will never win big, because we disagree as to what we would do with the winnings.  I would like to keep what I feel we would need in our lives, and give the rest away . . . he thinks that my giving money to others is going to cause problems in their lives and doesn't think we should do that.

They are 78. They kept 2%. If they need private care for a couple of years, maybe renovations to the house to make it wheelchair accessible, taxi services, if her can't drive anymore...I just hope they calculated it well. Many of our patients end up in a nursing home because the family can't afford it otherwise.

If someone is prone to bedsores, a specialty mattress costs $3500 (the lower end ones) or $250 a month to rent it. An electric lift cost $150/month to rent. I f someone is a lift transfer, you need to have two people to do the transfers safely. Just saying..

I think it lovely that they gave it all away but it makes me wonder why they buy lottery tickets. 

lastpoint

For the fun of giving it away, maybe. If I won 11 mio, most of it would be given away, too- who can spend that much money on oneself. I would just make sure, that there is always enough money to ensure you can pay people to take care of you and you can live a healthy independent lifestyle.

I am sue, most people who play lottery don't think of the consequences how a winning would change their life and all the relationships you have.