A Canadian couple in their seventies won the lottery jackpot in mid-July this year, with winnings exceeding 11 million US dollars. Instead of using this money to buy themselves things or travel, they created a two-page list detailing individuals and organizations in need of assistance.
To date, the millions of dollars have benefited institutions such as churches, hospitals, fire departments, and the Red Cross.
**A Lifetime of Frugality**
The husband, Alan Larch, is 75 years old, and the wife, Weyellite Larch, is 78. They have been married since 1974 and have always lived frugally. The couple lived in Ontario, Canada for 30 years where Alan worked as a welder and Weyellite worked in cosmetics and chocolate manufacturing companies. They both retired in 1983 and returned to their hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia.
"Our life is peaceful. We're not millionaires, but we're quite comfortable," Alan told a reporter from the Halifax Chronicle Herald.
The Larches live in an old house built in the 19th century without a microwave, and their phone lacks voicemail functionality. They don’t travel, gamble, or buy non-essential items. They’ve had the same car for 13 years.
"We didn't spend a penny on ourselves. We're not tourists, and we don't belong to high society," Weyellite was quoted by the Globe and Mail on the 4th, saying, "If you don't lack anything, why spend money?"
**Companionship**
In July, Alan bought a "649 Lottery" ticket and hit the jackpot, winning over 11 million US dollars. However, the large sum of money did not bring comfort to the elderly couple because Weyellite was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. She was diagnosed with cancer in the spring.
"That amount of money meant nothing to us," Alan choked up while saying, "What we have is each other."
Initially, the couple was unsure how to handle the money. After the news of their win spread, some people called them inexplicably asking for "assistance." Weyellite feared being used by "people with ill intentions" and discussed with her husband donating most of the money to those in need. Weyellite said, "You don't miss what you've never had."
Seeing his wife of 36 years suffer from illness made Alan feel very uncomfortable. He told his wife, "All the money in the world can't buy your health."
Now, Weyellite has undergone surgery and finished her last chemotherapy session a week ago. She thanked her family and neighbors for their support and encouragement during her treatment, saying, "I'm lucky I didn't end up paralyzed."
**Giving Back to Society**
"We've never been millionaires," Alan said, "We saved enough money to retire... We are extremely satisfied and happy with our current situation and lifestyle."
It took the couple a week to plan their donations, creating a two-page list of beneficiaries: fire departments, churches, cemeteries, the Red Cross, charitable organizations like the Salvation Army, hospitals in Truro and Halifax, and several organizations dedicated to helping patients with cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. The donation amounted to 98% of their winnings.
Although they haven't disclosed the specific amounts donated to each institution, the Larch couple has already received numerous calls, emails, and plaques expressing gratitude.
Weyellite said that being able to give back to society and support firefighters, doctors, nurses, and volunteers who have helped them makes her and her husband feel very fortunate. "With this money, you can do so much good... We are lucky, and we are content," (Zhang Jing)
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