Lions luck runs in family

Ruth Cunningham followed in the footsteps of her uncle Syd Lewer winning the Te Awamutu Pakeke Lions Christmas raffle.

Mrs Cunningham, who became the first Pakeke Lion to ever win the raffle, recalls her uncle winning the raffle 45 years ago.

"I got a phone call from him telling me to come over and help myself - I had three children and my sister had two children, we got all the goodies."

Now, over four decades on, Mrs Cunningham has six great grandchildren, two in Dunedin and four in Hamilton ranging in age from one to three.

"The great grandchildren will benefit from my raffle win, but I'm sure there will be some items left over for some needy children out in the community."

It was not the only win Mrs Cunningham had on the day. She also won a bottle of wine in the Pakeke Lions Club lucky draw.

Working on the old adage that things happens in threes, she was going to buy a Lotto ticket that night to give herself the chance of completing the hat-trick.

President, Jack Forster says Te Awamutu Pakeke Lions are pleased to have again organised a successful Christmas raffle.

"We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from the generous business people of Te Awamutu. Without their generosity, we would struggle to fill the sleigh.

"To all the public who bought so many tickets - thank you."

The majority of the funds raised from the raffle will be distributed to local charitable groups.