After ignoring several calls from Play For Purpose officials for three days, a Point Cook woman has finally discovered she’ll be driving away in a brand new BMW after bagging the First Prize in Play For Purpose Raffle 18.
The Victorian resident’s Play For Purpose First Prize Pack from Raffle 18, drawn Friday 17 March 2023, includes a BMW Hybrid X5 and more than $89,000 in cashable gold.
Each Play For Purpose ticket gives players the chance to win one of hundreds of prizes while supporting an Australian charitable cause of their choice.
The elated winner bought her winning Play For Purpose ticket in support of Food For Change. She shared she’d always wanted to do more for those less fortunate after working within Melbourne’s CBD and seeing the faces of those struggling with homelessness.
When an official from Play For Purpose finally spoke to the woman to reveal the winning news, she was completely lost for words and struggled to come to terms with her $250,000 First Prize Pack.
“This is crazy! Oh my god, I’m just so overwhelmed!” she yelled.
“I was just trying to do something nice and never expected to actually win anything. Is this even real?
“This feels amazing! It must be the winning feeling everyone is always talking about.
“It used to break my heart walking past those living on the streets in Melbourne’s CBD and dealing with homelessness.
“I’ve always wanted to help, and when I saw the chance to support Food For Change in this way, I jumped at the opportunity.
“I believe we’ve all got to look out for each other.
“I just really wanted to make some sort of contribution. It was never about winning. I never expected this!
“I’m still processing the news! It’s amazing, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been dreaming of a new car for years.
“It’s going to change my life!
“I just hope Food For Change knows that they’re doing amazing things for people less fortunate and providing hope and happiness to people who need it.
“I’ll continue to support the charity and hope to donate more in the very near future.
“Honestly, my eyes are wide with shock. Thank you so much This is incredible.”
The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased their entry at playforpurpose.com.au.
Food For Change Founder and CEO Matt Donovan said any support from the public went a long way towards helping those in need.
“Every dollar raised via Play For Purpose allows Food For Change to provide five meals to Australians who need them,” he said.
“We’re delighted that someone who supports us has received such an amazing prize!
“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us and allowed us to do so much for those less fortunate.
“Funds raised through the Play For Purpose raffle primarily go into our farm productions, buying seeds and seedlings, as well as volunteer equipment.
“We have seen a really big increase in requests and the need for our food across Australia, specifically fresh produce.
“The organisations we support estimate a 30% increase in demand since 2022 and this is on top of the rising demand we saw as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Other major prize winners in Play For Purpose raffle 18 included those from Williamstown, Sunbury, Toowong and Five Dock, who won second, third, fourth and fifth prize packages in support of including Clean Up Australia, Good Friday Appeal, Cowboys Community Foundation and Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.
The next Play For Purpose raffle is open at playforpurpose.com.au.