Win is a rainbow after a very stormy year

Our Mater Prize Home supporters often feel a strong connection to our Mater Little Miracles, but for our latest winner Karen, her unexpected win was truly heaven sent.

Mater Prize Home VIP club member Karen couldn’t believe her eyes when she opened her mail to discover a letter from Mater Lotteries informing her that she was now the proud new owner of the latest Mater Prize Home No. 261 in Hamilton Reach.

As the primary carer for her father, Karen had just dropped him off at a doctor’s appointment while she went to run some quick errands for the day.

“As soon as I read the first line, I needed to sit down…it was 40 minutes until I could get up again…I had to wait to drive…I was just in shock.

“Dad was delighted when I finally picked him up and told him the news. He couldn’t wait to get home and get on the phone to tell everyone about it.”

What inspires Karen

The news of her win was a wonderful and unexpected surprise for Karen and her entire family, who, in her own words have dealt with a lot this past year.

“This has been our rainbow after a very dark and stormy year,” Karen said.

“Mum passed away recently from a brain tumour. It has been a difficult time for us all, and I moved in with Dad to help take over his care.”

A personal touch

Karen and her family are long-time supporters of Mater, inspired by her late mother’s compassion.

“Mum would make the memory boxes at Mater for the parents of little babies born prematurely that didn’t survive. Her work would be in thousands of homes across Brisbane now.

“Whenever I would visit Mum and Dad there would be lots and lots of boxes being painted up…it always made me realise just how many sick and premature babies are cared for at Mater.

“Buying a ticket wasn’t a hard decision, especially with Mum passing away earlier in the year…and I feel like, that perhaps in a small way, she has had a hand in this.”

On receiving the keys and touring her new apartment for the first time, Karen and her family—including one of her two daughters who were both born at Mater—delighted in discovering all of her home’s little luxuries, including the bromeliaeds in her front courtyard garden. But what truly took her breath away was the spectacular riverfront view.

“This is all very overwhelming and humbling…that’s a million dollar view right there, isn’t it!”