Every time he bought a 6/49 lottery ticket, Jose Lima prayed he'd win the big prize and promised God to share his boa sorte, good fortune.

He's doing just that.

Canada's newest millionaire – the 52-year-old father of two who won $14.5 million in the 6/49 draw – is giving each of his 50 employees at O Nosso Talho butcher shop $5,000.

On April 3, the fifth anniversary of his father Joao's death, his generosity will spread even further when he gives away 22,680 kilograms of chicken legs to thank his customers and help Toronto's needy.

Gilberto Andre, a 10-year veteran behind the meat counter, was with Lima, who manages the busy shop, when he checked his numbers.

"When I told him he'd won, he hugged me," said Andre who described Lima as a very caring, kind man.

"For me, he's a great person who never says no. We're all very happy for him. And it's such a good thing that he's doing, sharing his good luck with us. I don't know if anyone else would do that."

Lima admitted he's still in a state of shock and it's too early to decide what to do with the money.

"The first thing I will do is to keep my promise to my employees and the people. I'll decide what to do with the rest of the money later."

Also at the top of his list is his immediate and extended family. There are two sisters and four brothers, one in Brazil.

"I believe that if you can help, you should help," Lima said as customers stopped him in the aisles yesterday to shake his hand, slap his back and offer their congratulations.

It was business as usual. He picked up a java at the coffee shop next door and then went to the butchery to prepare for the 8 a.m. opening. He slipped a white lab coat over his jeans and sweatshirt, and donned a company baseball cap embroidered with the words "King of Meat."

And then, as he's done for umpteen years, Lima scrubbed the sidewalk in front of the shop.

But somehow, "the air is more fresh today," he said, smiling.

Lima said he's been lucky since the first day he arrived in Canada.

"I wish everybody had my life and it has nothing to do with money," he said, tears welling up in his eyes.

"I have two beautiful kids and a wonderful wife. I have a house. We're all super healthy. What else could you want?"

And he's always had a heart as big as his new bank account. Lima said he believes in reaching out to those who need it. A few weeks ago, an elderly customer asked for his help – a $60 loan so she could buy groceries to feed her family.

He didn't hesitate.

She promised to repay him by March 27 – the day his multi-million-dollar ship came in.

"My customer came to the store crying and wishing me all of God's blessings," he said, wiping tears.

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And though he's reached Freedom $14.5 million, Lima said he won't leave the business.

"It's in my blood. I love to come to work. I have a great team of employees – they are like family – and great customers.

"And everyone from 5 kilometres this way or that knows me. I'm 'Joe from the butcher shop.' I want people to know me as that because it's who I am. I don't want them to think of me as 'Joe the rich guy.' I'm the same as I was 10 years ago, 10 months ago, two days ago."



