Guide Dogs supporter takes flight

The goodwill of a Bargara Beach woman at Christmas has paid dividends in more ways than one, after the mother-of-two won a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience by supporting her favourite charity.

Debbie Rayner bought just one ticket in Guide Dogs Queensland’s (GDQ) Christmas Art Union as a ‘donation’ to the charity she has supported for close to a decade, and her kindness has been rewarded.

Mrs Rayner won first prize in the lottery: A $20,000 travel gift card from Flight Centre. 

Debbie, an accountant and her husband Wayne are still coming to terms with the win, but Mrs Rayner said they have a few ideas about where they would like to holiday in 2012.

“Wayne and I have always dreamed of travelling around Europe and enjoying the wealth of history and culture, and the remarkable landscapes that are so different to Australia,” she said.

“It is wonderful we will now have the opportunity thanks to Guide Dogs.

“We have been supporters of the organisation for a long time, so to benefit like this by offering what was essentially a Christmas donation, is a win-win for all”, said Mrs Rayner.

GDQ General Manager Glen Allen-Ankins said the couple have 12 months to decide on their holiday destination and can use the gift card towards flights, accommodation, tours, car hire and more.

“There is great flexibility in the Flight Centre Gift Card which is why we sought to offer it to supporters. We knew it would be a popular option at Christmas, aided by the lottery odds,” he said.

With just 1500 tickets available in the GDQ Art Union, supporters had around a one in eight chance of winning a prize. There were also 200 consolation prizes on offer for a $75 GDQ shopping voucher.

“Many people don’t realize Guide Dogs Queensland offers a fantastic array of merchandise like manchester, stationery, kitchenware, homewares, leather goods, children’s toys and more,” he said.

“All these products like our Art Unions, Wine Club, our dog food ‘Leading Raw’, our Pet Insurance, all helps to fund the $30,000 needed to breed, train and place every Guide Dog we offer to those in need.

“We receive no Government funding for our Guide Dogs and it is only through the support of people like Debbie Rayner and other Queenslanders that we can provide our much-needed animals for free”.

To buy a ticket in our current Art Union - click here