John Glaister 15 October 2008$10 VIP TicketFirst Prize Winner: $1,840,989
WHEN John Glaister lost his job as a warehouse assistant and was evicted from his Munruben home last week, he was wondering how he would ever pick up the pieces. With no money or job, Mr Glaister was contemplating taking out a loan just to pay a bond to get a roof over his head.
But his life took a major turn this week, one that left the ex-serviceman fighting back tears.
Believing someone was having him on, he initially dismissed a phone call telling him he had won the RSL Art Union’s $1.8 million prize home at Hope Island. When they called again, he realised it was no joke. “I got the call and thought someone was pulling my leg,” said Mr Glaister, who has bought two tickets in every rsl draw for the past few years.
“It was only when I got home and received another call that I realised exactly what had happened … it left me speechless and it’s all still sinking in. “I don’t think I have ever been this confused about my emotions … but now I have 1,800,000 reasons to be happy.”
The fully furnished Hope Island waterfront home has four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen and a swimming pool. It offers the kind of lifestyle Mr Glaister could only once dream about.
RSL Art Union general manager George Mial-kowski handed the keys to Mr Glaister yesterday.
Nestled in classy Hope Island, Mr Glaister’s castle is one many would never want to leave.
Oozing elegance and with water lapping the back yard, the house’s space and its exquisite furnishings would satisfy even the fussiest person. An outdoor area provides the chance to enjoy cool afternoon breezes while overlooking the canal. The bedrooms and large downstairs media room are equally impressive.
Mr Glaister’s win also included $30,000 in gold bullion.
It is a huge change for the 46-year-old. He had grown his own vegetables to help offset the soaring cost of living and would often go hungry for days to pay the bills.
“I’ve had my ups and downs but I have been doing it tough,” said Mr Glaister, who said the win was just as big for him as it was his best friend Tanzen and her son, Seth Rice, 8.
“Am I happy? You’d better believe it.
“It’s life changing, not only for me but a lot of people, particularly my best friend who has supported me through a lot of tough times.
“I can afford now to move forward with life instead of trying to figure out how I’ll deal with just today.”
