In a heartwarming tale of persistence and generosity, a man from Hefei, Anhui province in central China, has won a staggering 24-million-yuan (US$3.4 million) lottery prize after seven years of using his family’s birthdates as his lucky numbers. The story of this remarkable win has captivated many, highlighting not only the power of perseverance but also the winner’s commendable generosity.
The Winning Strategy
The winner, who goes by the pseudonym Huang, had been purchasing lottery tickets for over a decade, never spending more than 20 yuan (approximately US$2.80) per draw. His strategy evolved in 2017 after reading about a lottery winner who used family birthdates to select their numbers. Inspired by this, Huang decided to adopt the same approach, using the birthdates of his family members consistently for the next seven years.
The Big Win
On 10 September 2024, Huang’s persistence paid off when the Chinese welfare lottery, known as the Double Colour Ball, announced him as the first-prize winner. Huang had bought a 10-yuan (US$1.4) ticket with his usual self-selected numbers, which finally hit the jackpot.
Claiming the Prize
Huang collected his prize on 12 September at the Anhui Provincial Welfare Lottery Centre. Despite the life-changing win, he remained calm and composed. “I’ve been buying lottery tickets for more than 10 years, never really expecting to win the jackpot. My usual mindset is to support charity with my purchases; winning is just a bonus,” he said.
Acts of Generosity
True to his words, Huang demonstrated his charitable spirit by donating 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) to the Anhui Provincial Charity Federation shortly after claiming his prize. This act of kindness has been widely praised on social media, with many lauding his generosity and commitment to giving back to the community.
Future Plans
With his newfound wealth, Huang plans to improve his family’s living conditions. He has pledged to buy a new home, ensuring a better quality of life for his loved ones. “We plan to buy a better house,” he mentioned, reflecting his focus on family and their well-being.
Public Reaction
Huang’s story has sparked a wave of admiration and envy on social media. Many users have praised his persistence and generosity, while others expressed their own hopes of winning big one day. “Seven years of persistence, that’s admirable! And donating after winning, what a kind heart!” commented one online observer.
Huang’s journey from a hopeful lottery player to a multimillionaire is testament to the power of persistence and the impact of generosity. His story not only inspires those who dream of winning the lottery but also serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community. As Huang and his family look forward to a brighter future, his tale will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift many.
ALSO READ: The rising popularity of Chinese lottery tickets amongst the youth