A Portland woman has won an unforgettable $250,000 First Prize Pack in the latest Play For Purpose raffle – revealing she purchased the ticket after someone close to her was diagnosed with cancer.
Ashlee purchased three $10 Play For Purpose tickets in support of the Good Friday Appeal in August – a charity very close to her heart. One of these tickets was the first prize winning ticket.
The Victorian’s Play For Purpose prize from Raffle 16, drawn Friday 16 September 2022, includes a BMW iX xDrive40 SUV, a MINI Cooper SE Hatch and over $32,000 in cashable gold bullion.
Each Play For Purpose ticket gives players the chance to win one of 395 prizes while supporting an Australian charitable cause of their choice.
When an official from Play For Purpose phoned the woman to reveal the winning news, she was going about her usual day at work and completely oblivious she’d won the prize.
“Oh my goodness! Really?!” she laughed.
“Wow, wow, wow. What the hell?!
“Thank you so much!
“This is a bit of a shock for my Friday morning – I feel a bit weird but happy!
“I’m at work today, and my boss said, ‘If you win something good, you’re not allowed to leave!’.
“I don’t think I’ve ever won a raffle in my entire life. This is the most I’ve ever won!
“Someone close to me was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago.
“She’s been in and out of Royal Children’s Hospital battling cancer, and as a result, I’ve always supported children’s cancer charities.
“It’s been a long ride, but she’s finally on her way to recovery – she’s doing really well now.
“It’s expected that she will finish her treatment next year, and we’re all happy to see her get better.
“I’ve been donating to the Good Friday Appeal for a couple of years. I always try to support them and raise some money wherever I can - help goes a really long way.
“While I bought a brand-new car two years ago, my lovely mum needs a new car. Maybe I’ll gift it to her?! She’ll be very shocked.
“I’ll definitely tell my family the winning news, and give my mum a ring during my lunch break.
“Thank you so much!”
The winning woman purchased her entry at www.playforpurpose.com.au in support of the Good Friday Appeal.
Good Friday Appeal Executive Director Rebecca Cowan said the support of the Good Friday Appeal helps The Royal Children’s Hospital continue to deliver the best possible care for sick children and their families.
“We’re so excited for the winner and thank all of our Play For Purpose raffle supporters for their kindness and generosity,” she said.
“The funds raised support life saving projects in which impact the lives of many sick children and their families, not only in Victoria, but all across Australia and also internationally.”
Other major prize-winners were from across Australia, including people from Hamilton, Marburg, Mill Park and Crestmead. They won prize packages for buying Play For Purpose tickets in support of PA Research Foundation, Devoted 2 Dachshunds Rescue, Northern Health Foundation and Breast Cancer Network Australia.
