Emirates Loto winner uses prize money to help needy friends and relatives

Savio Peter Fernandes was one of the nine winners who shared Dh1m prize in July

Savio Peter Fernandes shared his money with relatives and school teachers in his native India. Courtesy: Emirates Loto

An Emirates Loto winner used his prize of more than Dh110,000 to help friends and family members who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Savio Peter Fernandes, a UAE resident, was one of nine winners who shared a Dh1 million prize by matching five out of six numbers in Emirates Loto’s 13th draw on July 11.

Mr Fernandes shared his money with relatives and schoolteachers in his native India to help them deal with the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak.

“I feel extremely privileged to have won a share in the Emirates Loto draw – which gave me a chance to help those who need it,” said the 29-year-old customer service assistant.

“My family and my teachers were instrumental in making me the person I am today and I am humbled by the opportunity to help others as much as I can.”

Mr Fernandes said the UAE changed his life and he found helping others is rewarding.

He plans to settle down in the UAE as it made him feel “welcomed and inspired”.

In July, Emirates Loto, which boasts a jackpot of Dh50m, said it had suspended its weekly draws until later this year to complete a system upgrade.

Live draws were also expected to return at that time.