A young man who fled war-torn Ukraine to Belgium has won a scratch card prize of 500,000 euros, the Belgian National Lottery reported Monday.
Even with the violent conflict in Ukraine very present, the “the man’s feelings were very confused”says Joke Vermoere, spokesperson for the National Lottery.
“His thoughts were clearly with Ukraine and now it is difficult to be happy with everything that is happening in his country”he said in a statement.
But, he adds, the Ukrainian does “very happy with the award” It is “full of hope”. The man bought a five-euro scratch card at a gas station on May 16.
The National Lottery, which does not reveal all details about the identity of the winners, says that the man is between 18 and 24 years old and has been living in Brussels for a year.
As with anyone whose winnings exceed 100,000 euros, the winner was invited to the headquarters of the National Lottery in Brussels to transfer the prize to him.
According to a statement from the Belgian National Lottery, the man said he intended to “use the money to help other Ukrainians and help rebuild his country”.
But first, the winner plans a party with family and friends, including those who helped him build a new life in Brussels.
Source: DN
