August ended on a high note for Sam Mokoena, as Little Eden society held the draw for its 1962 Studebaker raffle.
On August 31 it was announced that Sam, a farmworker from Petsana in Reitz, Free State, had won the vehicle which had been donated to the raffle by his employer, Trent Odgers.
Trent had bought raffle tickets for his employees and two sons, and Sam’s name was selected from the 883 other participants.
Public relations and communications coordinator of the society Rethabile Lechela said earlier this year Trent learned about the society’s desire to purchase two tractors that would assist with farming purposes.
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“Trent was generous enough to donate his Studebaker to Little Eden for it to be raffled, hopefully raising enough funds to buy the tractors,” said Rethabile.
Imported from the USA (apart from the bakkie which was manufactured in SA) the vehicle has its original V8 Packard engine and three-speed Dodge (Chrysler Corp) automatic gearbox.
Through the raffle, which was audited by Nwande Incorporated, over R175 000 was raised.
Among the guests was the chairperson of the Studebaker Club, Detlev Borner, a good friend of Trent, who gave a brief history on the Studebaker model.
The Studebaker Club has offered free membership for a year to the winner of the car and a Studebaker hamper.
CEO of Little Eden Xelda Rohrbeck, who was joined on stage by a few of the society’s residents, expressed gratitude for the support received for this campaign.
“It is this support that has enabled us to have a successful raffle of this magnitude and to make a significant contribution to the aim of contributing towards a tractor.”
When the raffle was drawn, the ticket pulled out had Sam’s name on it. Xelda phoned the mobile number provided but there was no response. Soon after the number called back and informed
Xelda his name was Grant, the son of the donor, Trent.
Rethabile said it was later discovered Sam does not have a mobile number and his ticket had Grant’s cellphone number on it.
She said everyone who attended the raffle was informed that Sam was the rightful winner.
Rethabile said Sam’s story is an interesting one.
Sam had been working for a previous employer and when Trent took over the farm, Sam had not been paid by the owner and looked to Trent for payment.
Following his payment, Sam would arrive at work every morning under the new management, even though he was not employed to be part of the new team.
When the other labourers would get on the bakkie to head to work, Sam too would get on and would faithfully report for duty.
Trent decided to offer Sam a job as their gardener on a two-month contract.
Sam helped out on the farm and became an asset, even assisting with the Studebaker from time to time.
Since he arrived at the farm in 2011, Sam has never left.
When asked how he feels about Sam’s win, Trent had this to say, “It couldn’t have been won by anyone more deserving than Sam.”
After winning the raffle, Sam has chosen to sell the car to Detlev, who has agreed to honour the deal.
After learning he had won the vehicle, Sam was overwhelmed.
In 2013 his wife died, leaving him with two young children, the youngest aged one year and five months.
Sam described the death of his wife as an incredibly difficult time.
Sam lives with his brother, who has been battling ill health.
With the help of his sister, Sam makes it his mission to provide for his children.
“What a great blessing this is, God has finally answered my prayers,” said Sam.
“I have been able to take care of my children with the little I had. I can now take care of them with much more and will use this money wisely.”
Little Eden Society thanked everyone who took part in the 1962 Studebaker raffle competition.
The society gave special thanks to the National Lottery, Nwande Incorporated, Trent Odgers, Detlev Borner, Neville Lawry, Fourways Farmers Market, Mamba Strike Force, Bedfordview and
Edenvale News, The Business Day, Huisgenoot, Radio Veritas, The Italian Chamber, Andrew Conald (Rotary Clubs), Randburg Chamber of Commerce and the MySchool Promotional Support.
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