Filipino loses job but wins big in DSF raffle
dubai — A Filipino expat of 16 years who recently lost his job will not go home empty handed but with a handsome amount of cash for a new business, thanks to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Mega Raffle draw.
Joel Gutierrez, 43, won a luxury SUV (Infiniti QX70) in addition to Dh150,000 in cash after his coupon was picked in the first Infiniti Mega Raffle draw on December 26.
A few days back, it seemed like the end of the world for Joel. His employer told him he could no longer work as a salesman at a retail outlet.
He was devastated to receive the pink slip because he has two young kids to raise, his wife is also unemployed, and he has a huge Dh80,000 loan from a Dubai bank to repay.
But lady luck smiled on him and his strong belief that he would win in the DSF was realised.
“It came as a huge surprise. And the most beautiful thing about it was the timing, as I had just lost my job,” Joel said.
“This (winning) will now help me build a new and happy life for me and my family.”
“I always had a feeling that I would win. I have been purchasing raffle tickets and participating in other raffle promotions in the previous
I always had a feeling that I would win. I have been purchasing raffle tickets and participating in other raffle promotions in the previous editions of DSF, and now my dream has come true. I wish to thank DSF for this,” Joel Gutierrez, The winner
editions of DSF, and now my dream has come true. I wish to thank DSF for this,” he added.
Joel said he will not take the luxury vehicle but its cash equivalent instead. He is expected to get in total at least Dh300,000. He said after paying off his debts, there will still be a hefty sum left to start a life afresh. Joel plans to start a grocery store back in the Philippines.
The Infiniti Mega Raffle offers one lucky shopper the opportunity to an Infiniti QX70 plus Dh150,000 in cash every day upon purchase of a raffle ticket for Dh200. In the daily Nissan Grand Raffle, customers have the chance to win one of eight Nissan models. Customers will receive a raffle coupon upon purchase of non-fuel products worth Dh20 at any EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations, as well as Zoom shops in Dubai.