Play For Purpose is a not-for-profit raffle helping hundreds of great Australian causes supercharge their fundraising. As part of its support of community organisations, The Lott provides resources and financial support to every Play For Purpose raffle.

A Sunshine Coast teacher about to head to work received a call she was glad she was sitting down for – informing her she won the 1st Prize worth $250,000 in the Play For Purpose raffle. 

The Queensland resident’s prize includes an Audi SQ5, fuel for a year and $125,000 in cashable gold bullion. Each Play For Purpose ticket gives players the chance to win hundreds of prizes, all while supporting an Australian charitable cause of their choice. 

This morning, an official from Play For Purpose reached out to the 1st Prize winner, who was just about to head to work. 

“Oh my goodness! I have just sat down, and I am so glad I did, otherwise I might have fallen over,” she laughed. 

“Holy moly! I am a bit lost for words! I am overwhelmed. 

“I am going to have to break the news to my husband, but I will need to tell him to sit down first! 

“This is just the most amazing thing. I am so happy I could cry!” 

The overjoyed woman explained the reason she purchases Play For Purpose tickets. 

“I am just so glad Autism Queensland will receive a $5,000 bonus payment too,” she shared. 

“That’s the whole reason I play, to support them. 

“I actually work in the education department, which is why I chose to support Autism Queensland. 

“I see how autism can impact these kids and the work Autism Queensland does is just incredible. 

“It’s invaluable! They are just so amazing and I couldn’t be happier that they receive something from my win as well. 

“This is actually the first time I have bought a Play For Purpose ticket. I saw it on Facebook and I much prefer buying tickets into games where you can support a charity as well.” 

When asked how she planned to enjoy her prize, the elated winner said she’d be taking some time out to think. 

“I might plan a weekend away so we can just sit down and actually think about what to do with the cash,” she said. 

“That amount of money will help in so many ways. I can’t even begin to consider the concept! It’s so amazing. 

“But I have always dreamt of owning an Audi, so I can’t wait to tell my husband we have one now! 

“Of course, that’s not the reason we played Play For Purpose, but it’s certainly a welcome surprise.” 

The Queensland resident bought her winning Play For Purpose ticket in support of Autism Queensland. Autism Queensland Fundraising Manager Sonja Wallis said she was thrilled to hear that a supporter had taken home the major prize. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled that an Autism Queensland supporter has won 1st Prize,” she said. 

“With the help of supporters like our winner, we’ve raised over $10,000 through Play For Purpose which help us continue to provide education support and therapy services to people on the autism spectrum. 

“It also helps us fund the operation of our independent special school and to undertake and be involved in research which help increase outcomes for people on the spectrum.” 

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her entry at playforpurpose.com.au.

Other major prize wins landed across Australia, including in Caulfield North, Epping, Greensborough and Carindale where players won second, third, fourth and fifth prize packages in support of Melbourne University Lightning Netball Club, Dreams2Live4, Love Your Sister and National Seniors Australia.