Telethon Mega Bingo: Mum Tanya Ford picks up keys to ‘life-changing' GWM Haval Jolion prize
The Perth mum was among more than 10,000 participants who descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 14 and 15 for Australia's largest bingo call.
Being announced as the winner of a new vehicle was 'life-changing' for Ms Ford after she had to recently sell the family car to pay for her daughter's school fees.
Tanya and her partner, Brad, were still in shock as they unveiled their new vehicle, valued at $29,990 drive away, which was kindly donated to the Telethon bingo event by GWM Wanneroo.
Ms Ford said her first pitstop was to pick up her daughter from school, which had become a difficult task in recent weeks after the family sold their car.
'Brad was spending four hours a day on public transport to get to work and I felt bad that he was having to do that,' she said.
'This is a life-changing win. The whole family feels incredibly lucky and very grateful. I think this is a shining example of the spirit behind Telethon.'
Ms Ford said the fact she won the car at a Telethon fundraising event made the win even more special.
'When Ariana was one she was put into Princess Margaret Hospital and at the time the hospital was full so the only room available was on the oncology ward,' she said.
'We had to walk along that corridor and I remember these rooms full of children that had cancer and I just remember seeing their brave little faces. In that moment, I understood with all of my being why Telethon is so important.
'This win is something I won't forget but the cause behind it is something that will stay with me even more.'
More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA's sickest children across the bingo events.
All proceeds go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State.
The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.
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