Sagkeeng Millionaires Hounded for Money Since Windfall
The Sagkeeng First Nation couple who won a $50 million lottery jackpot in November are having trouble trying to live the simple life they’re used to. According to a resident on the Manitoba reserve who spoke to ChrisD.ca over the weekend, Marie and Kirby Fontaine are being hounded by other residents for money. It’s said to have been getting so out of control, the Fontaines have hired security to sit outside their trailer and escort them while they tend to their daily duties.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident said the Fontaines have done a number of good deeds since acquiring the winnings, such as purchasing furnished homes for their family members and beginning the planning stages of a daycare on the reserve. They have also been behind plans of a new recreational complex for youth.
Those close to the Fontaines have advised them that they may need to leave Sagkeeng if they ever want their privacy again, but they firmly reject the idea of leaving their family and friends behind.
ChrisD.ca photo
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December 7th, 2009 at 8:25 am
This was bound to happen. I knew they would be pestered once they return home.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
My neighbor near Grand Beach had won something like $9 million about 5 years ago. All his money went to drinking and buying ‘friends’ anything they wanted. It’s all gone. Today he’s got a few quads, beat up pick up truck, and a trailer on blocks.
He has to work again (back breaking heavy labor, same as he did before, no education)…
pretty sad. Smartest thing these two could do is move to Florida and get an unlisted phone number.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Sad to hear, but had to know this would happen. Happens to everyone who gets this type of money from family/community, particularly in a smaller community. If I won the $50 mil in their situation, I would put $5 million or so into a trust for the community, a good chunk that could do some good for a long time, and I’d get the h*** out of there.
I hope that the Lottery Corp put them in touch with a good financial advisor to help out, make sure they end up with some of that money, and do the right things to make sure they can live a good life for a long time.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I called it. Fortunately not on the record, on ChrisD.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I know all too well what it’s like to be economically privileged amidst great poverty. Even if you share to the point of being broke, it’s never enough and people start to hate you for your good fortune. I know, I know, poor little rich boy. But still, they will give and give, only to be hated by those they’ve helped. Unless someone else emerged to provide the tools to alleviate the poverty that surrounds them. I know someone. Let me get back to you.
December 16th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
everyone should leave Kirby and Marie alone! they have done numerous good deeds for friends, family and strangers. God Bless you and enjoy your lives the way you want, if i had a wish it would be helping people like the Fontaine’s and helping Dana Sinclair with an animal shelter, God’s little animals…. take care you guys and Merry Christmas!