MORE than 60,000 entries and $4.4 million in local spending have highlighted the success of this year’s GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, which concluded by rewarding a record 58 shoppers and businesses across Greater Shepparton and neighbouring communities.
Shepparton’s Kelsey O’Riley was announced as the winner of the $5,000 major prize after shopping at Fairleys IGA.
“What, oh my god you are kidding. This doesn’t feel real. I don’t have any words. Wow,” Kelsey said when The Adviser called with the news.
“I didn’t think I would win. I never win these things. This is going to help more than you can ever imagine.
“I’ll be using it on groceries and everyday items. When the shock wears off, I’ll have another think about what I can buy too.”
While Kelsey claimed the major prize, she was one of 58 winners recognised throughout the campaign. Every week, shoppers from across the region received surprise phone calls after their everyday purchases turned into $250 Visa debit cards simply by supporting local businesses.
The Giveaway generated 60,636 total entries, with many shoppers taking advantage of doubling their chances through almost 6,000 bonus entries by signing up to The Adviser’s mailing list.
Across all eligible entries, shoppers spent more than $4.4 million at participating businesses, with an average transaction value of $251, highlighting the significant economic impact of keeping spending local.
Among the 140 participating businesses, SPC Factory Sales recorded the highest number of entries, with 2,734 receipts uploaded during the campaign, this is excluding bonus entries.
In addition to driving millions in spending at local stores, the $25,000 in prizes will also be spent in the local community, reinforcing the Giveaway’s goal of keeping money circulating through the region.
The campaign also rewarded participating businesses. Long-time supporter Cafe Three620 was announced as one of the winners of the Business Grand Prize, recognising its ongoing involvement in the Giveaway and commitment to encouraging locals to shop locally.
Throughout the competition, shoppers earned an entry by spending $10 or more at any participating business and uploading their receipt online. From supermarkets and cafés to fashion retailers, homewares, automotive businesses and specialty stores, the Giveaway showcased the diversity of businesses that make the Goulburn Valley such a vibrant place to shop.
Beyond the prizes, the campaign encouraged thousands of everyday shopping trips to stay local, helping support family-owned businesses, local jobs and the broader regional economy.
The Adviser and GMCU thank every participating business and everyone who entered this year’s Giveaway. Congratulations once again to all 58 winners, whose stories proved that sometimes an ordinary shopping trip can lead to an extraordinary surprise.
