Family won $58M on the EuroMillions — then paid off a nursing home's debt
Saint-Michel’s mayor, Fabienne Godichaud, said, 'Their wish has now translated into a capital investment.'
A family from France demonstrated a “wonderful lesson in civic responsibility” after they decided to use their life-changing lottery jackpot to clear a nursing home’s debt. The roughly 3,200 residents of Saint-Michel in Charente have continued to benefit from the money the family generously contributed from the golden prize they bagged on the EuroMillions lottery 17 years ago. According to news reports cited by The Mirror, the family won an incredible €50 million ($57.90 million) on the show in March 2009. According to their report on August 31, 2026, the family continues to support more causes even today, ensuring that the hefty winnings don't stay with them alone.
Winning that won hearts
After bagging the hefty jackpot on the show, the family donated a whopping sum, nearly €400,000 ($463,218) towards the town’s “Housing for All” scheme. Starting in 2010, they also footed the bill for the local school’s cafeteria, spending €80,000 ($92,648.4) to upgrade its facilities and provide free meals to about 180 students. For 2026, however, the family's €80,000 donation is being redirected toward school renovations, meaning families will now pay €1.50 ($1.74) per meal. At the time, the amount was 20% of the town’s total annual budget. Fast forward to today, the annual school fund for 2026 has been extended from just the daily lunches to renovations in the school building, Connexion France reported. The school is also utilizing the donations for work on air-conditioning and soundproofing.
Like a 'fairy tale'
Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the family, Saint-Michel’s mayor, Fabienne Godichaud, said, "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." She added that its like a “fairy tale” to see the entire community benefitting from the family’s windfall.
Lottery wins can inspire generosity
Winning the lottery may not only change how people spend their money, but also how much they give away. A 2025 study published in The Economic Journal examined Norwegian lottery winners over nearly three decades and found that large windfalls led to a persistent increase in charitable giving. People who won more than 100,000 Norwegian kroner were up to 7% more likely to donate, while their donations also increased after the windfall. The findings suggest that a sudden boost in wealth can encourage people to share some of their newfound fortune with others.
This is a mark of people with 'huge hearts'
Meanwhile, the humanitarian French family has chosen to keep a low profile, away from the spotlight, and remain anonymous. Their philanthropy has prompted locals to fill a guestbook in Saint-Michel town hall with heartfelt messages and praises. "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 mom wrote, per the outlet.
More on Scoop Upworthy
Man who won lottery of $4 million is spending it in the most wholesome way possible
Man discovers $24 million lottery ticket in an old shirt. It was about to expire in just 2 days.
Share on Facebook
