An elderly millionaire left his entire fortune to his hometown as long as 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 in the area, which is hidden among the mountains far from the coast of the French Riviera.
But the rich man, who had lived most of his life in the southeastern French commune, also known as Tourrettes-sur-Loup, put one condition on what residents could spend the money on.
In his will, Chaix stated that his entire fortune could only be used to care for the elderly who still reside in the area, which has a population of just over 4,000 people.
According to Manchester Evening News, it was reported that due to considerable funding, a day care center for seniors will be built and opened before 2026.
This means that Tourrettes’ senior community will be able to receive more care as they age.
Chaix’s kind gift has sparked an outpouring of public praise following his death.
BFM reports that the mayor of Tourrettes, Camile Bouge, was quick to thank him for his generosity and said: ‘This facility must not have a lucrative but strictly social objective.
Marcelin Arthur Chaix, 95, left his millions to the residents of Tourrettes in France
Chaix declared that his entire fortune could only be used to care for the elderly who still reside 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, with no reserved heirs, by standing and applauding in memory of the late Mr. Chaix.”
The millionaire’s will was read aloud at the local town hall and the Tourrette community could hear that he was donating a staggering £2.6 million to the facility.
Work on the “daycare for seniors” will begin soon, as stated in his will.
According to Connexion France, an official stated that Chaix wanted a shelter for seniors, for a touching reason.
“We are not talking about an Ehpad (nursing home), but rather a small structure, a place of residence and meeting place for older people, who often face loneliness,” said the official.
The locals thanked Chaix, but admitted that it was not out of character for him to do such a thing.
According to the Express, one resident shared that he “always helped others,” noting, “I’m not surprised because he was someone who always helped others.”
Another said she totally agrees with the decision to fund senior care.
She said: ‘I was a nursing assistant for my entire career; I worked with seniors for a long time and finally here I have a good idea! The condition is excellent.’