Local man enjoys Christmas windfall

Christmas can be a stressful time of year for many people; however, for one lucky Mount Maunganui resident the season provided an extra touch of festive cheer to the tune of $30,000, courtesy of the Bayfair Shopping Centre.

Local grandfather David McGee described his win as a “big fluke” and a welcome change to the meat raffle prizes he often enjoys. His name was drawn from thousands of entries into a prize draw as part of Bayfair’s ‘Hint Hint’ campaign.

During December 2011, the interactive campaign provided a creative way for Bayfair shoppers to send clues to their friends and family about what they wanted for Christmas. Shoppers were able to develop a customised video message on the Bayfair Facebook page, hint included, which was personally delivered by an elf of choice.

This was the first time the ‘Hint Hint’ initiative has taken place and many local shoppers enjoyed the innovative nature of the campaign. It was certainly a worthwhile entry for Mr McGee who admits to being thrilled when he received the winning phone call.

“Winning the money just before Christmas was fantastic. It was a great present and I’m pretty rapt.”

Mr McGee entered the prize draw after sending a hint to his wife for a new television set.

Bayfair Shopping Centre marketing manager Nina Rivett is thrilled to see the money go to Mr McGee, who has very generous plans for the $30,000. “We would like to offer huge congratulations to David and his family. With the past year being tough for some people, it is great to see that David plans to share his winnings and send his wife and daughters to New York.”

While the women in his life take off to New York, David plans to fulfil his dream of following an international All Blacks tour. An avid rugby fan, David has always wanted to go overseas and watch his favourite team play and thanks to Bayfair, he can now cross this wish off his bucket list.

“I’ve always loved rugby so instead of going to New York with the girls, it would be great to follow the All Blacks and watch a few live test matches.”

As well as funding the overseas trips, David plans to upgrade the household appliances. He also acknowledged it was his turn to “shout everybody a drink” at his local bowling club.

“Whenever somebody down at the club wins something they are pretty good at shouting everybody a drink, so now it is my turn to do the same.”