What would you do with a $1 million windfall?
That's a decision that will face the person from Whanganui who scooped $1 million as the sole winner of Lotto's first division draw on Wednesday, December 20. The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto and had not been claimed on Thursday.
If the winner doesn't need to pay off a mortgage or other debt, upgrade their ancient car, take a holiday or any of the other usual things, then what could they do with $1 million in Whanganui?
There are plenty of people who could do with a helping hand. The winner could:
- Make the City Mission Christmas lunch the best ever and stock up the foodbank for the coming year.
- Pay the lease for new premises for Women's Refuge Whanganui and provide food, clothes and other essentials for the women and children who need to use the safe house.
- Contribute to some of the multitude of other social service agencies that scrape by on minimal income and give them a year off from having to compete for funds.
Maybe the winner would prefer to invest in property. They could:
- Buy the $1 million home for sale at Lake Wiritoa, or several lower-cost homes.
- Save a heritage building by contributing to earthquake strengthening.
- Buy part of the Cornmarket Reserve near Dublin St Bridge or some of the other properties the Whanganui District Council is considering selling.
