There’s probably merit to the saying, "What goes around comes around." Because as far as karma is concerned, one woman seems to have played her hand in life extremely well.
Years after emptying her piggy bank to help those in need, Canadian Juliette Lamour became the youngest lottery winner in Ontario history.
A Kid With a Heart
Back when Lamour was just five years old, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake had an epicenter just 25 kilometers away from Port-au-Prince, which contains the country’s most dense population.
As a result, there was massive damage, and an estimated 220,000 people were killed. More than five million people lost their homes, and many were forced to live in camps with the rainy season just days away.
Lamour had heard how bad things were, and as a kindergartner, she wanted to help. So, she asked her mother if she could give her savings to the Canadian Red Cross. She and her then 2.5-year-old sister, Sophie, emptied their piggybanks and donated $61.38 to the people of Haiti, reported SooToday at the time.
Playing the Odds
Fast forward 13 years, and Lamour is now a student at Algoma University in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. On her 18th birthday, her grandfather suggested she buy a lottery ticket — the first time she’d ever done so.
“He said to me: ‘You just turned 18, go buy a lotto ticket, test your luck,’” she recalled at a media event, as per CBC News. “So, I did.”
Lamour then forgot about the ticket and went about her daily life. But then she heard someone from her hometown had a $48 million winning ticket. When she went to check hers, she heard the words, “Big winner” and saw flashing lights.
“My colleague fell to his knees in disbelief. He was screaming; in fact, everyone was screaming that I had won $48 million (Canadian),” she said, as per CBS News. “At first, I didn't understand what was going on. I couldn't take in the news. We made quite a scene in the store that day.”
Working Towards Another Good Cause
After the shock of winning wore off, Lamour decided she would use the money to fund her dream of becoming a doctor. She also plans to invest the money and wants to take her family on a nice trip.
“When school is over, my family and I will choose a continent and go explore it,” she revealed. “I’m not one to spend my days at the beach. I want to visit different countries, learn about their history and culture, taste food, and listen to people speak their language.”
The teen also revealed she plans on giving back to the community and will keep friends and family in mind. She also reiterated that money isn’t everything.
“Money doesn’t define you,” she continued. “It’s the work you do that will define you.”
As for whether karma really did have anything to do with her win? She’s not sure, but many people have reminded her that good things happen to good people.
“I don’t know why this happened,” she said, as per Sunnyskyz. “But I’m really just so grateful, and I’m planning to do good things with the winnings.”
The Pursuit of Goodness
Hearing about good things happening to good people is always heartwarming, but Lamour’s message is also motivation to try and do good things in the world without expecting anything in return. After all, her five-year-old self didn’t expect anything when she donated her savings to a good cause.
Giving back and helping others is good for your karma if you believe that the sum of your actions will decide your fate in the future. But presently, it also makes you feel good to know that you are making a difference in someone else’s life.
Donate money or time to a cause close to your heart. Help out those who are struggling. And lend a hand to those who aren’t as fortunate as you happen to be in your current state. Sure, good things happen to good people, but there’s also something to be said for trying to be your best self.
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