Jordanian student to help refugees with $1M DDF prize

dubai — A 20-year-old student in Jordan, who has won $1 million through a Dubai raffle draw, plans to help Syrian refugees with part of the funds.

Tala W. won the latest Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw that was held at Dubai International Airport on Tuesday.

The computer engineering student is based in Amman and has seen the struggles of Syrian refugees from up close, as she volunteers with charity organisations to help distribute educational and medical supplies to the refugees.

“I hate that they’re suffering and I’m so glad there’s finally something I can do,” Tala told Khaleej Times. “I would love to help them with education and medical care. There is a 10-year-old child I see every day. It breaks my heart that he doesn’t go to school. All he does is beg for money on the streets. He is such a sweetheart and always happy and cheerful. He waves at me and says good morning. When I give him some money, he doesn’t accept it unless he gives me a flower or a chewing gum in return. I really want to help him and others like him.”

Tala and her family purchase a Duty Free lottery ticket each time they visit Dubai. “We’ve been there about 15 times, so we’ve bought many. But this was the first one I bought myself,” she said. “It was the lucky one, I guess. I was so thrilled when they called me. I couldn’t believe it.” Tala’s winning ticket number was 4619 in Series 295 and was purchased when she and her father were on their way back to Amman from Dubai.

“I volunteer with a few organisations here and we go to the camps to spend time with the refugees and distribute educational and medical care supplies. I used to look at them and wonder how else I can help. Now, I feel like that is possible,” she said.

“I also plan to travel with some of the money, help my family, and see more ways of how other people can be supported, too.”

Tala said she is still deciding how much she’ll be spending where.

I used to look at them and wonder how else I can help. Now, I feel like that is possible.”

Tala W., winner of DDF Millennium Millionaire draw