What would you do if you won a million bucks?
When Farrell Lavallee became an instant millionaire in 2011 thanks to a scratch-and-win lottery ticket, he bought a Harley, a BMW convertible, a Cadillac and a house. He also bought a lot of drugs.
The 48-year-old Winnipeg man was a cocaine addict and dealer who had spent time in prison. His $1-million win was supposed to pave the way toward a better life, but within 13 months, Lavallee was broke and alone.
He realized he needed help, so he reached out to an organization he had heard about in prison – Teen Challenge, a Christian program for men and women struggling with addictions.
After 15 months of rehab, Lavallee is now a teacher there. He also helps prepare meals for the homeless. The one-time millionaire now makes less than $500 per month.
Still, he says: “You couldn’t buy the joy and happiness I have today.”
Lavallee says he is now richer than he ever imagined, in friends and love and with a life that has purpose.
“He’s got a huge advantage by going out and letting people know that there is a way out and it isn’t money,” said Steven Paulson of Teen Challenge.
“There is a bigger purpose. There’s deep meaning to your life.”
Lavallee says he wouldn’t trade that life for a million dollars.
With a report from CTV’s Jill Macyshon
