A Manitoba couple who hit the jackpot continue to give back to the community.
In November 2009, Kirby and Marie Fontaine won the $50 million Lotto Max jackpot. Ever since then, the Sagkeeng First Nation couple has being playing a large role in helping non-profit organizations.
On Monday, the Fontaine’s dropped off a $100,000 cheque to Rossbrook House, a safe space for inner-city youth.
“They came here when they were younger, so there’s a strong connection so it’s a great moment for us,” said director Phil Chiapetta.
This year, the Fontaine’s also made large contributions to Siloam Mission, the Christmas Cheer Board, Winnipeg Harvest and the Dream Factory.
"They make a point of distributing much of what they have to many agencies to make sure we're all doing well, and that's a blessing," said Siloam Mission director Judy Richichi.
Kai Madsen of the Christmas Cheer Board said this is simply the Fontaine’s way of giving back, and they’re trying to make life for these organizations a little easier, so they can continue to do good work for others.
In total, the Fontaine's donated $780,000 to the following organizations:
- Jets Foundation (Chipman's foundation)
- Winnipeg Harvest
- Rossbrook House
- Children's Hosp
- Siloam mission
- Riverview Hosp
- Dream Factory
