"He has mixed feelings": A Ukrainian war refugee won a huge lottery prize
Most people would be thrilled to find out they won the lottery, but for one Ukrainian player, the experience comes with mixed emotions.
A Ukrainian war refugee has won a massive prize, according to Reuters. The man, aged between 18 and 24, fled his home country and relocated to Belgium. He has since found a home in Brussels, where he has worked for the past 12 months.
As per the Belgian lottery’s policy, winners’ identities remain confidential.
Werner Lerooy/Shutterstock
In May, the Ukrainian man stopped at a gas station where he bought a scratch-and-win ticket for €5 (C$7.20). To his surprise, he discovered he had won a massive prize and was now €500,000 richer (C$719,690).
The man will receive the total amount as lottery wins in Belgium are tax-free.
However, the moment was bittersweet.
“He has mixed feelings [about winning],” said Joke Vermoere, the spokesperson for the National Lottery.
Vermoere said the winner plans to throw a party. But it’s not just to celebrate his windfall — he said he wants to thank the people who helped him settle down in Belgium. The man will also put a portion of his winnings towards helping his fellow Ukrainians and donating money to reconstruct Ukraine.
“It is a difficult period to be happy with everything happening in his home country,” said Vermoere.
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