*To respect privacy, this article does not include an actual photo of the individual mentioned or their name, as per the request of the winner*
When the call came through to let our African Safari MS Life Changer Lottery winner know they had won the grand prize, the first reaction was pure disbelief. In fact, the winner initially blocked the number, convinced it was just another scam.
“I thought, this only happens to other people, not me,” they laughed. It wasn’t until a second attempt at contacting them that they finally answered, still sceptical, and heard the incredible news.
“I walked around like a zombie all day,” they recalled. “I just couldn’t believe it.” A family member was equally stunned, they couldn’t believe they had the winning ticket!
Behind the decision to purchase a ticket, lucky number #10,537, was a deeply personal reason. Motivated by a close friend, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), the winner wanted to give back in any way possible.
“Watching my friend over the years, and seeing how MS has affected them, made me realise just how important it is to support organisations that help people live better lives,” they said. “Buying a ticket felt like a way I could help, even just a little.”
Their story is a powerful reminder of why the MS Life Changer Lottery exists, not just to change lives with prizes, but to fund vital services for people living with MS. Every ticket purchased helps us to provide vital support services for our clients.
The winner reflected on how good it felt knowing their ticket purchase had double the impact. “It’s wonderful to think that, while I’ve been so fortunate to win, my ticket also helped support the work that’s making life better for so many others.”
Despite the windfall, they have no plans to stop working or change who they are. “I still want to be accountable in the world,” they said. “I’m still going to work when the time comes, not because I have to, but because I want to. It’s important to me to stay true to who I am.”
The prize will allow them to do things that had long felt out of reach, like a much-anticipated holiday, setting up a savings account for a new great grandchild, and helping family members in meaningful ways.
But there’s no plan for extravagant changes. “I’ve always been a hard worker and a saver, and that won’t change,” they said. “This win is like a big warm blanket. It gives us comfort, but it doesn’t change our values.”
Through it all, their spirit of giving back remains strong. They encourage others to get involved however they can.
“If you’re thinking about supporting, buy a ticket. It really does make a difference”
“If you can do even a little bit more, reach out, because organisations like the MS Society rely on people like us.”
Their story is one of gratitude, humility, and the extraordinary ripple effect one small act of kindness, like buying a ticket, can have.
Win a 4 MONTH CRUISE WORTH $150K, by purchasing a ticket in our current MS Life Changer Lottery. Tickets are just $50, and all proceeds go to supporting services for people living with MS in SA and NT – https://mslifechanger.auraffles.com.au/