A pleasantly shocked Forest Lake resident has won a Woolworths Gift Card valued at $5,000 as part of the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s annual raffle, held in conjunction with the popular supermarket chain.
The day started out like any other for Johannes Fernandez, until he found out that he is one of 10 winners in the raffle where prizes include four brand-new Hyundai vehicles (Santa Fe Elite, Tuscan Elite, i30 Elite, Kona Active), two 2019 Sea-Doo GTI90 Jet-Skis and two $10,000 Flight Centre Holiday packages and the Woolworths Gift Card which he has won.
What Goes Around, Comes Around
“With everything that is happening in the world at the moment around COVID-19, this is certainly unexpected and appreciated,” said Johannes, who had bought the ticket as a proud supporter of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“It has been a challenging time for everyone in the local area and this has given me a real boost.”
In an interview with Forest Lake News, Johannes shared his feelings about winning. “It was the biggest win I have ever had and it’s a lot of money, especially in a tough time,” he said.
Asked what he intended to do with his prize, Johannes said that the win has actually come during a particularly trying time for his family and he couldn’t be more thankful.
“Sadly, we experienced a death in the family recently, which saw us travel to Samoa. I was able to leave Samoa prior to coronavirus but my wife, who is the sole worker in our family, has not been able to return to Australia yet.”
“The $5,000 Gift Card from Woolworths and the Children’s Hospital Foundation means I’ll be able to buy groceries for the rest of the year which is a huge burden off my shoulders as my wife isn’t currently working. I may even be able to help out three of my children and my grandchildren with groceries this year.“
“With so many other bills due and the uncertainty surrounding when my wife will return home, this really provides me with security,” he explained.
About the Raffle & the Foundation
Children’s Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Rosie Simpson, said funds raised through the raffle will help the Foundation continue to support sick kids and their families by providing more services and facilities for hospitals around the state.
“The proceeds from the raffle will help us to provide the best care possible for patients and their families, regardless of where they are across Queensland,” Ms Simpson said.
“The support we receive from Woolworths customers and team members is invaluable and helps us to fund much-needed medical equipment in hospitals across the state, as well as support research into childhood nutrition through the Woolworths Centre for Childhood Nutritional Research.”
“Through the generosity of Woolworths customers, more than $55 million has been raised for this great cause over the past 33 years,” she added.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation helps sick kids by funding life-saving medical research, investing in vital new equipment, and providing amazing entertainment, family support and care programs for sick throughout Queensland.