Raffle winner shares proceeds with neighbours

Sharyn Pilkington (left), who won the fundraising raffle for Rotorua Hospital's chaplaincy service, with administrator Alison Lamberton. Photo / Ben Fraser

Sharyn Pilkington knows just how valuable Rotorua Hospital's chaplaincy service is - so she had no qualms in buying a raffle ticket to support the organisation.

The Rotorua woman's husband works up at the hospital, and she recently spent time there and was visited by the service.

Her support paid off - with Mrs Pilkington taking home the raffle prize of a trailer load of goodies valued at more than $5000.

Mrs Pilkington said she was already planning to spread the prize around.

She planned to give some of the toys to the local women's refuge, and she had already given some of the vouchers to local attractions to people living in her street.

"They do provide such a fantastic service that gives a lot of comfort to people."

Rotorua Hospital Chaplaincy Trust administrator Alison Lamberton said the support of the Rotorua community had been amazing.

The fundraiser raised more than $6000 which Mrs Lamberton described as "wonderful".