Telethon Mega Bingo: Emotional winner Kelly Nawal Bland goes from bushfire horror to winning major cash prize
A family scorched by last year’s bushfire season has become a lucky Telethon story – winning the $37,500 major cash prize at the annual Mega Bingo event.
More than 10,000 bingo players flocked to Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over two days this weekend to play in Australia’s biggest bingo call, while simultaneously supporting the sick kids of WA.
After a string of lucky winners taking home cash prizes in the hundreds and thousands – as well as two cars worth nearly $30,000 each – the major winner was announced.
And she got a cheer from the whole crowd – despite beating them all to the major prize.
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After her daughter, Summer, won $500 yesterday, Kelly Nawal Bland took home $37,500 cash - emotionally telling the crowd it will go towards home renovations after being caught in a bushfire last November.
More than 10,000 bingo players flocked to Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over two days this weekend to play in Australia’s biggest bingo call, while supporting the sick kids of WA. Credit: supplied/supplied
The event raised over $200,000 for Telethon, a record for Mega Bingo after making it a double event for the first time this year. Credit: supplied/supplied
Lucky winners shared in a combined $270,000 in cash prizes but it was the children of WA who were the main winners of the weekend.
The event raised over $200,000 for Telethon, a record for Mega Bingo after making it a double event for the first time this year.
The 2024 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 19 and 20 at RAC Arena. The 26-hour live event will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus.
More than 10,000 bingo players flocked to Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend to play in Australia’s biggest bingo event and support the kids of WA. More than 10,000 bingo players flocked to Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend to play in Australia’s biggest bingo event and support the kids of WA Credit: supplied/supplied
Pictured is Teresa who won a car in the bingo. Credit: supplied/supplied
A record $77.5 million was raised last year and this success has allowed Telethon to support 136 beneficiaries and children’s charities committed to improving the health and well-being of WA children.
Telethon funding supports medical research into childhood diseases, provides equipment for children in hospital, critical services for children with disabilities and life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Every dollar raised for Telethon will ensure we can continue to provide better access and quality of care as WA comes together to help build a better and brighter future for our children.