Lotto winner pays it forward

A Lotto winner has lived up to his promise of paying it forward, becoming something of a Secret Santa to those in need in his small town.

The Paeroa man, who wishes to remain anonymous, won Lotto first division on February 23, pocketing $333,333.

At first he believed he had won only $15, and was surprised when staff at the Four Square told him he was a major prize winner.

‘‘It was a life-changing moment,’’ he said.

‘‘I remember it really well.

‘‘I said a few expletive words.’’ ‘‘At first I did not realise that we had won because I did not have my glasses on.’’

In March, Stuff reported that he planned to renovate his home, help out family, and give back to the community.

Though he did not touch the money for six months, nine months since that fateful ticket purchase, his list has been ticked off.

The man got in touch with the workers at Four Square and provided them with 10 envelopes with $200 cash in each.

He asked them to give the envelopes to families in need.

He also paid the fees of a young boy who could not afford to play rugby, and made up some packages for the women’s shelter, complete with beauty and health products.

‘‘It is great to be able to make a difference to people’s lives,’’ the man said.

‘‘That is when you get the real sense of happiness of doing something good.

‘‘I get too emotional even just talking about it but it is a great feeling to give back and help people.

‘‘I have lived a good life, I have been able to work and have my health, but others have not been so fortunate.

‘‘I would rather do good than bad; there are enough tough times in the world,’’ he said.

An avid collector, the winner has also treated himself to curios found at garage sales and secondhand stores – with his hometown of Paeroa, the antique capital of New Zealand, being the perfect place to indulge.

‘‘Life has changed significantly for me. I invested most [of the winnings] in a term deposit and kept a small amount for spending money. It is great to have peace of mind now.

‘‘My sister gave me the best advice. After I won, she told me to pull my head in and not get carried away with it.

‘‘It was great advice. I did not touch the money for six months and set up a term deposit.

‘‘It is so easy to think, I will do this, or do that and help all of these people out, but you need to settle down and work out a plan.

‘‘It is important to figure out what your needs and wants are, and just take your time,’’ he said.

‘‘I would rather do good than bad; there are enough tough times in the world.’’ Lotto winner