An elderly millionaire left his entire fortune to his hometown on the basis they meet 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 between the mountains away from the French Riviera’s coast.
But the rich man, who had lived in the southeastern French commune, also known as Tourrettes-sur-Loup, most of his life, laid down one condition in terms of what the residents could spend the money on.
In his will, Chaix declared that his entire fortune could only be used to serve the elderly folk 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 the hefty funding, a daycare centre for elderly people will be erected and open before 2026.
This means that the older community in Tourrettes will be able to receive further care as they continue to age.
Chaix’s kind gift has sparked a flurry of public praise, following his death.
BFM reports the mayor of Tourrettes, Camile Bouge, was quick to thank him for his selflessness and said: ‘This facility must not have a profit-making purpose but strictly a social one.
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 serve the elderly folk who still reside in the area
Stone architecture in a hilltop village in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
‘We can consider ourselves fortunate for this bequest 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 aloud at the local town hall, and the Tourrette’s community was able to hear that he was donating a staggering £2.6million to the facilities.
Work on the ‘daycare centre for the elderly’, which is stated in his will, is set to begin soon.
According to Connexion France, an official claimed that Chaix wanted a reception centre for older people, for a heartwarming reason.
‘We’re not talking about an [elderly care home] Ehpad, but a small structure, a place to live and meet for senior citizens, who are often faced with loneliness,’ the official said.
Locals went on to thank Chaix but admitted 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: ‘It doesn’t surprise me because he was someone who always helped others.’
Another said that she wholeheartedly agrees with the decision to fund care for the elderly.
She said: ‘I was a nursing assistant throughout my career; I worked with elderly people for a very long time and finally here is a good idea! The condition is excellent.’
