Daniel Fogarty won a new Ford Ranger ute valued at more than $68,000 after buying five raffle tickets.
The raffle, organised by the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust, raised funds for the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter.
The winning ticket was drawn at the trust’s Bayleys Charity Auction gala last month.
“People were telling me I’d won the [Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust] raffle for the Ford Ranger but I just didn’t believe it. ... that sort of stuff never happens to me,” Fogarty, a Gisborne builder, said of winning the Gisborne Motors-sponsored ute.
“I’d always been waiting for that big Lotto win but, of course, that has never happened.
“Hearing I’d won the ute was amazing news.”
There were 2000 tickets available at $50 each. Daniel thought the odds looked pretty good and quickly bought five tickets.
Fogarty — a keen motocross rider and president of the Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club — knew he was supporting a good cause.
“Obviously, we have a big focus on safety but things do happen and we’ve had the rescue helicopter team out to meets more than once,” he said.
“We tend to race on farmland, off the beaten track, which is not the best place to be if you’ve broken a bone or two, so seeing the helicopter arrive is a huge relief.”
Fogarty had been driving a nine-year-old Toyota Hilux but as a builder running his own Fogarty Construction company, he had put a high mileage on it.
“I was looking for a new vehicle but everything’s a bit tight, so this is going to make a big difference,” he said. “It’s been a tough year in many ways so winning this prize is huge for me.”
Trust acting chair Ian Parker said the raffle created a donation opportunity that most people could afford.
”Our wonderful community of supporters really responded to that.”
Fogarty received the keys to his new vehicle from Gisborne Motors Ford dealer principal Rod Husband.
“The Ford Ranger was just part of a longstanding relationship between Gisborne Motors and [the rescue trust].”
“It’s a high-profile relationship we are extremely proud to be part of as the rescue team provides benefit to the whole community.
“After all, almost everyone would know someone who has been assisted by their outstanding services.”
