The young man fled the war in Ukraine. Illustrative image. Richard Villalon / stock.adobe.com
According to the Belgian National Lottery, the lucky winner is between 18 and 24 years old.
He had come to Belgium in search of a new chance and found it beyond his expectations: a Ukrainian refugee won 500,000 euros with a scratch ticket. The young man, who fled the war, has been living in the Brussels region for a year. On May 16, he bought a scratch ticket for 5 euros at a gas station.
The National Lottery, which does not disclose the data of its players, clarified on Monday June 12 that he was between 18 and 24 years old. Like all winners of amounts over 100,000 euros, he was invited to the headquarters of the National Lottery in Brussels so that his winnings could be transferred to him. “His feelings were very mixed“, explained Joke Vermoere, spokesperson for the National Lottery, quoted in a press release.
Help rebuild Ukraine
“His mind was clearly on Ukraine, and in this time it is difficult to rejoice with all that is happening in his country. But he was at the same time of course also very happy with his win and, above all, full of hope“. “With the money he has earned, he intends above all to do something for his compatriots and for the reconstruction of his country. But first he wants to throw a party in Belgium for the family and friends who cared for him and helped him settle in.added the spokesperson.
Read also“I can’t help but be ashamed”: these Russians who found refuge in France after the invasion of Ukraine
The young man found a job in Belgium, but “he would of course prefer to return to Ukraine as soon as possible, as soon as the war is overadded Joke Vermoere.
“data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js” >