By Le Figaro with AFP
Posted 1 hour ago, updated 1 hour ago
The young man fled from 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 came to Belgium in search of a new opportunity and found it beyond his expectations: a Ukrainian refugee won 500,000 euros on a scratch card. The young man, who fled the war, has been living in the Brussels region for a year. On May 16, he bought a scratch card for 5 euros at a gas station.
The National Lottery, which does not disclose the details 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,” said Joke Vermoere, spokesman for the National Lottery, in a press release.
Help rebuild Ukraine
“His thoughts were clearly on Ukraine and at this time it is difficult to be happy about everything that is happening in his country. But at the same time he was of course very happy about his victory and above all full of hope. “With the money he earns, he primarily wants to do something for his compatriots and for the reconstruction of his country. But first he wants to organize a party in Belgium for the family and friends who have taken care of him and helped him integrate,” the spokesman added.
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The young man found a job in Belgium, but “of course he would like to return to Ukraine as soon as possible once the war is over,” added Joke Vermoere.