Lottery Winner Donates $20K to Shelter That Saved His Life

A lottery winner who was previously addicted to alcohol and found salvation with  Interfaith Sanctuary has decided to donate $20,000 to the shelter that has literally “saved his life.” 

The player turned a $1 lottery ticket into a $200,000 jackpot, and immediately decided to donate 10% of the award to the shelter, arguing that the organization has been the difference between life and death for him.

Donating Enough to Support 500 Nights at the Shelter

“I want to give this to you, so I can thank you for saving my life,” the man told Interfaith Sanctuary executive director Jodi Peterson. Thanks to the shelter’s Project Recovery program, the man was able to get his life back on track and stay sober for more than two years, as well as live in stable housing for about a year. 

The winner admitted that he had a hard time accepting that he had won that much money, immediately vowing to donate a percentage of the prize to the shelter. 

Peterson is also grateful for the windfall, as it would really go a long way in helping provide for people in need. Housing a single person overnight costs up to $40, with the $20,000 donation now supporting 500 nights of care- no mean feat in the cash-strapped sector of providing help to people who are down on their luck.

A Story That Shows Redemption and Turning One’s Life Around Are Possible

“The world needs good stories. They need to believe in humanity. It has always been our responsibility to lift the stories of the people we serve,” Peterson added.

For the staff at Interfaith Sanctuary, however, this is another important milestone, as it clearly demonstrates the power of redemption stories, and crucially – that such stories are possible. 

The winner’s name has been kept private to protect the man’s well-being and safety, as well as his ongoing recovery.