IT’S not Christmas just yet … but Wingen’s Emma Parkinson picked up an early present this week.
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The local woman won a four-night holiday at the Sheridan Resort in Fiji, for two adults and two children, at the Durham Hotel on Wednesday night.
The Wingen Sports Ground and Community Hall recently conducted a major Christmas Raffle fundraiser – and the result certainly delighted the hard-working committee members.
“It’s the first time we’ve done it; the response was amazing,” secretary Jane Kennedy told the Advocate.
“We sold close to $15,000 worth of tickets, through social media and other events throughout the shire.
“Everyone was happy to help out.
“And, in the end, we’ve made a profit of $10,000.
“Having a great prize certainly helped and we hope Emma enjoys it.
“I couldn’t believe it – out of all the tickets we sold, it went to a local.
“The raffle will now become an annual fundraiser.
“The next major prize is a trip to Hamilton Island.
“A big thanks must go to all at the Durham Hotel for providing such a lovely venue.”
Donna McMahon won a full-day horse and carriage wine tour around Pokolbin, for two people, courtesy of Hunter Valley Horses, while Susan Walmsley collected a family pass to the Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular.
However, the Queenslander generously agreed to place the prize in a redraw, which was picked up by an appreciative Coralie Millgate.
Since September, the new-look committee has made its presence felt in the community, raising approximately $20,000.
“We ran the inaugural Wingen Horse Ride and Family Night, which brought in $10,000, and now this [the Christmas Raffle],” Ms Kennedy said.
“All the money goes to the Wingen Sports Ground and Community Hall to upgrade facilities.
“We’ve already set a date for the 2nd Wingen Horse Ride and Family Night.
“That will take place on March 4 and 5, 2017.
“A family night and auction is also planned for the Saturday evening, while Sunday is yet to be determined.”
