Shopping spree new format a great success

This year’s East Grampians Health Service Residents’ Support Group Shopping Spree took on a different format, to ensure a COVID-safe experience for both shoppers and participating businesses.

This year’s Shopping Spree was held over the period of week, rather than just one night, allowing shoppers to move about in a COVID-safe manner, and proved a hit with shoppers and businesses alike.

The Shopping Spree is a fundraiser for 70 Lowe Street and Garden View Court aged care at East Grampians Health Service.

This year 142 passports (tickets) were sold, compared to 130 last year, with more than $3340 raised for aged care at 70 Lowe street and Garden View Court.

A raffle is continuing through the participating businesses and will be drawn mid-December.

Twenty businesses participated throughout Ararat Rural City.

“The Residents’ Support Group is grateful to the businesses who participated and we hope we helped to inject some positivity into retail throughout Ararat, after a very difficult year due to COVID-19,” Residents’ Support Group president Marlene Goudie said.

“We would also like to thank all shoppers who purchased a passport – you have helped raise funds towards improving the lives of our residents in 70 Lowe Street and Garden View Court.”

All passport holders went into the draw to win one voucher from one of the participating businesses. Winners were: Zest Living – Sue Start, Fosters Mensland – Adrienne Pearce, 2 Taggs – Marieanne Wilson, RACV Shop – Robyn McGuiness, Latus Jewellers – Jane Richardson, CAS Couture – Maree Macmillan, Something Beautiful – Geoff Foster, We’re Knot Crazy – Kaylene Linsley, Intersport SportzBiz – Suzanne Prior, Perry’s Footwear – Kim Nanninga, Lyal Eales – Anthea Price, GABN – Mary Stapleton, Growmaster Grampians – Joan Bohner, Jerrams Auto Parts – Gaye Williams, Mountainside Wines – Julie Kuchel, Grampians First Aid – Kerry Coone, Safepower Safety System – Dianne Bullock, Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre – Yvonne Dowie, Miners Ridge Vineyard – Jenny Beales, ATR Wines – Meri White.