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Annandale Local Shops and Wins Grand Prize!

A trip to visit a critically ill relative has finished a little brighter for Allison Emblin after she won the Queenslanders Credit Union Shop & Win Competition at Townsville’s Annandale Central over Christmas.

The Mount Isa resident made the 900km journey south with her Aunt to support other family members and Ms Emblen’s nephew, who is currently battling leukemia in Townsville Hospital.

During the trip, Ms Emblen stopped in at Annandale Central to buy some Italian shoes for Christmas, spent the minimum $20 to gain an entry into the competition and walked away with the $1000 Visa debit card major prize.

In recognition of her nephew’s plight, Ms Emblen said she would donate a portion of her winnings to the Leukaemia Foundation.

“He’s been in hospital for a couple of months now and it’s become a cause that’s close to my heart,” Ms Emblen said.

“I think it’s important that I donate to the foundation that has played such an important role supporting him and our family.

“We are a big, close family – all from Mount Isa – and half of us are staying at the Leukaemia Foundation accommodation to be near my nephew.”

Ms Emblen said she was unwittingly entered in the competition by her sister.

“I gave my sister the entry form and told her to write her own name on it,” Ms Emblen said.

“She sneakily put mine down instead; although I bet she wishes she hadn’t now.

“I’m buying her lunch today and a lotto ticket to make up for it; so imagine if that comes through as well!”

Ms Emblen said the prize would also provide a well-timed financial boost, as her family, like most, feel the pinch from the current tough economic climate.

“It certainly helps at this time of year with Christmas coming up,” Ms Emblen said.

“It has been a bit tougher lately – I think it has for everybody – but we’re all battlers and we find a way to get through, don’t we?”

Queenslanders Credit Union Branch Manager Margaret Murray said she was glad the prize had ended up in the hands of such a deserved winner.

“I’m happy that Queenslanders and Annandale Central have been able to make this trip a little bit easier for Ms Emblen,” Ms Murray said.

“After talking to her I can see she is a very caring person and I think it’s wonderful and very generous of her to give away some of her prize to a worthwhile cause.”

Ms Murray said the Shop & Win competition was designed to support shoppers and local retailers alike during what many have predicted would be another tough Christmas economically.
 
“Things have been a bit tough this year with the financial crisis overseas rearing its head again in Australia,” Ms Murray said.

“We figured we’d give people looking for great bargains here at Annandale Central an easy chance to win some cash and help make things easier.”

“At the same time we’ve rallied behind the local retailers and spread a bit of Christmas cheer their way as well.”

Annandale Central Centre Manager Susan Eurell said she was overjoyed with the response to the competition.

“It was amazing to see how many entries there have been – it’s been very popular this year,” Ms Eurell said.

“Our retailers are delighted with the response and our customers are also enjoying some great bargains in a relaxed shopping environment during the festive season.”

For more information please contact:

Queenslanders Credit Union Media Contact:
Brett Maunder
Marketing & Communication Manager
Queenslanders Credit Union Ltd
P: (07) 3218 7247
M: 0409 014 085
E: [email protected]

Annandale Central Shopping Centre Media Contact:
Susan Eurell
Centre Manager
Annandale Central
P: (07) 4728 5528 – Direct Line
M: 0417 076 871
E: [email protected]