Upon discovering that the Central Bank would release R$ 8 billion forgotten in bank accounts, retired teacher Rita Porto, 93, became anxious. She mobilized the family to update records and go after the jackpot she believed she had.
This Tuesday (8), she received R$ 1,000, not knowing that the money came from a crowdfund by her children and grandchildren.
As with many Brazilians, Rita Porto was entitled to just a few cents – more precisely 4 cents, of "credit installments or obligations." A truth that the family preferred to hide, to avoid frustration.
In February, when she learned of the possibility of redeeming amounts via the Central Bank, the elderly woman was hospitalized for heart failure in Manaus (AM). She wanted to help pay for medicine, oxygen, physical therapy and the hospital room.
If the money was really good, she still had hope of helping her kids pay for their apartments.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon