And now her choice to come to Deni instead of heading across the river to Echuca has paid off.
Karla is the first of our 'Think B4U Click this Christmas' campaign winners.
Her prize of $500 consists of a $250 Deniliquin Business Chamber Why Leave Town Gift Card and $250 cash.
Karla’s winning entry came from Dahlsens Mitre 10, which is where a lot of her prize is expected to be reinvested.
“I come in here (Mitre 10) at least once a week, usually buying plants or herbs, or a few other things,” Karla said.
“I live in Mathoura and I mostly come to Deniliquin for my shopping because everything I want is here.
“I probably only go to Echuca once a year. I just prefer the shopping environment in Deni.”
Karla has been living in Mathoura for the last seven years, where she is a carer for her parents and also works as head chef of The Timbercutter.
“I was actually at work when I got the call to say I had won the prize; I don’t often win anything.”
The 'Think B4U Click this Christmas' campaign is a Deniliquin Pastoral Times initiative, delivered with support of local businesses and organisations.
The total prize pool this year is $6000, with another $500 prize to be drawn on November 28 and the major prize of $5000 drawn in December.
This is the first time the prizes have been offered as half cash, reflecting the financial pressures currently being experienced across the country.
Participating businesses will issue entry tickets when you shop in store, and you can earn more right up until the major prize draw at the Edward River Council Community Christmas Party in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens on December 19.
Customers will earn one ticket for purchases up to $20, with extra tickets awarded for each additional $20 spent in a single transaction (capped at 20 tickets per transaction).
Double ticket opportunities are available on bonus days, which are scheduled on November 12, November 26 and December 10.
For a list of participating businesses, turn to page 4.
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