A New Zealand woman has claimed an rsl art union prize worth more than $2 million after a public appeal to find her.
The Australian Returned and Services League (RSL) Art Union this week said despite numerous attempts, the prize winner — a woman from Reporoa in the western Bay of Plenty — could not be contacted.
The woman phoned the charity today and claimed her prize, a $2.1 million waterfront mansion on the Gold Coast and $NZ50,000 in gold bullion, after learning of its efforts to locate her.
Her multi-million dollar home is located at a luxury retreat twenty minutes north of the beaches of Surfers Paradise and surrounded by sub-tropical rainforests.
“My brother is a returned serviceman. He sent some tickets across some years ago and I wanted to support the cause so I just kept buying. I always wondered what it would feel like to win but all I can do is cry,” the winner said.
RSL general manager Luke Traini said he was thrilled to finally get in touch with the winner.
The woman had been busy at work and had not been home to answer her phone, he said.
“She sounds like a very humble and caring person and a deserved winner. Our challenge now is handing the prize over and trying to get passports organised as she has not travelled before and she still wants to continue her busy work schedule,” he said.
RSL is a charitable organisation established to raise funds for returned service men, women and their families.