Millionaire, 95, leaves entire fortune to his hometown as long as they promise to meet his conditions to spend it
An elderly millionaire left his entire fortune to his hometown, provided they met his conditions for spending it.
Marcelin Arthur Chaix, 95, grew up in the commune of Tourrettes, France, and when he died he invested all his wealth back into the area, which is hidden among the mountains away from the French Riviera coast.
But the wealthy man, who had lived most of his life in the southeastern French commune also known as Tourrettes-sur-Loup, imposed one condition on what residents could spend the money on.
In his will, Chaix stated that his entire fortune could only be used to serve the elderly who still live in the area, which has a population of just over 4,000.
According to Manchester Evening News, it was reported that due to the significant funding, a daycare center for the elderly will be built and opened before 2026.
This means that the older community in Tourrettes will be able to receive further care as they grow older.
Chaix’s kind gift generated much public praise after his death.
BFM reports that the mayor of Tourrettes, Camile Bouge, was quick to thank him for his selflessness, saying: ‘This facility should not have a profit motive, but a strictly social purpose.
Marcelin Arthur Chaix, 95, left his millions to the people of Tourrettes in France
Chaix stated that his entire fortune could only be used to serve the elderly still living in the area
Stone architecture in a hilltop village in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
“We can consider ourselves fortunate for this legacy and express our gratitude to this Tourrettan, without any reserved heirs, by standing and applauding in memory of the late Mr. Chaix.”
The millionaire’s will was read out at the local town hall and the community of Tourrette heard that he donated a whopping £2.6 million to the facilities.
Work will soon start on the ‘daycare center for the elderly’, which is mentioned in his will.
According to Connexion France, an official claimed that Chaix wanted a shelter for the elderly for a heartwarming reason.
“We are not talking about an (elderly) Ehpad, but about a small structure, a place to live and meet for seniors, who often face loneliness,” the official said.
Locals thanked Chaix, but admitted it was not unusual for him to do such a thing.
According to the Express, one resident said he was “always helping others,” noting, “I’m not surprised because he was someone who always helped others.”
Another said she wholeheartedly agrees with the decision to fund elderly care.
She said, “I have been a nursing assistant my entire career; I have been working with the elderly for a long time and finally here is a good idea! The condition is excellent.’