June Campbell took every chance possible to increase her chances of winning the final $1000 Have Yourself A Very Local Christmas prize on Wednesday.
Mrs Campbell became the fifth and final winner of the shop local promotion after her Central IGA ticket was plucked from the barrel.
But Mrs Campbell said her ticket could have come from any number of stores, after a recent little shopping spree — which included treating herself to some new jewellery.
Mrs Campbell said she was very surprised to ‘‘actually win something’’.
‘‘I got some entry tickets after a trip to Deniliquin Jewellers, where I bought some necklaces,’’ she said.
‘‘‘I also went to Mitre 10 and of course the IGA.’’
Mrs Campbell, who has been a Deni local since 1956 said she was still in shock to have won.
‘‘I’m never one of the lucky ones, so it is very unexpected.’’
Deniliquin Pastoral Times general manager Leesa Muir estimates this year’s shop local promotion was one of the best supported, saying the barrel had not been as full in many years.
‘‘Each ticket represents at least $20 spent at a local business, and to have that amount of money go straight into local businesses is amazing,’’ Ms Muir said.
‘‘It is so nice to see people being rewarded for shopping locally as well.
‘‘It is so important to keep our town going and we hope this promotion continues to be a reminder to people year round that if you can get it in Deni, buy it in Deni.
‘‘Our retailers are always happy to help. If what you’re looking for is not on the shelf, just ask. They can either order it in, or point you in the right direction to another local business.’’