A small town was shocked to receive over $10 million from a man who had never visited or had any connection.
A small town in France has found itself in a surprising situation.
Thiberville, a town in Normandy with fewer than 2,000 residents, has inherited over $10 million from a man who had never set foot there.
This unexpected gift has left the community in shock and filled with excitement.
Roger Thiberville generously donated his fortune.
The man behind this generous donation is Roger Thiberville. He passed away at the age of 91 in August 2024.
Roger did not have any children or close relatives to inherit his wealth.
Instead, he chose to leave almost all of his fortune to the town that shares his name.
Despite never visiting Thiberville, he believed it deserved his money.
Roger was a meteorologist from Paris and came from a family involved in winemaking.
He had inherited money from his parents and sister, which contributed to his sizable fortune.
His decision to donate such a large amount was unique and unexpected.
The mayor initially thought it was a joke.
When the mayor of Thiberville, Guy Paris, received the news about the inheritance, he thought it was a joke.
“We all thought it was a practical joke to begin with,” he said.
“Then the notary said that he wanted to meet us, so I realised it was true — it’s exceptional for a small community,” he went on.
The mayor described the announcement as “exceptional for a small community” and a wonderful surprise just before Christmas.
The town was in debt, owing around $436,000. This inheritance will help them pay off that debt.
The residents are relieved and excited about what this money can do for their community.
The small town has exciting plans for improvements.
With the unexpected funds, the town has big plans.
Mayor Paris has shared some ideas on how to use the money.
First, they will not need to raise taxes, which will improve the quality of life for residents.
One of the primary goals is to create a public park. This space will provide a place for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
The town also aims to renovate the primary school, ensuring a better learning environment for children.
Additionally, they plan to fix the roof of the local church and build a football pitch for sports and community events.
There are further aspirations to construct a new fire station and a care home.
These projects will not only enhance local facilities but also help boost the economy by providing jobs and improving services.