Stocking a surprise

Stratford Lions Club President Lynn Rogers with sisters Koya and Diamond Hartley, and Christine Craig.

Stratford's biggest Christmas stocking brought joy to two local families last week as the winners of the Stratford Lions Club Christmas stocking were drawn.

Koya Hartley was drawn as the first place winner, and says while she had made a bit of a start with her Christmas shopping for year, it is now done and dusted thanks to the Stratford Lions Club.

"I wasn't expecting this at all. I am so surprised. This has made my Christmas," says Koya.

Koya's family were along side her last Monday when she was presented with all the presents and she says that there are plenty of things that will be appreciated by all of her family.

Christine Craig was the lucky winner of second place and took home a wheelbarrow filled with goodies.

"I buy tickets from the Lions Club every year, but this is the first time winning."

On being asked what she would most like to see in her pile of presents, Christine said she was hoping to find something that she could give to her six-month-old granddaughter.

Both Koya and Christine say they will continue to support the Stratford Lions Club with their Christmas raffle each year "They do so much for our community," Christine said.

Stratford Lions Club president Lynn Rogers says the Christmas Stocking fundraiser has been very successful this year with more than 7500 tickets sold.

"The Christmas Stocking raffle is our biggest fundraiser for the year, and we appreciate everyone who supported us by buying tickets."

Lynn says the success of the fundraiser is down to on-going support from all the local businesses for donating the gifts and vouchers.

"We wouldn't be able to do it without all the wonderful donations that make the prize so appealing."