When Gordon McTavish bought his raffle tickets, he wasn’t chasing horsepower or prestige. He was backing hope.
That choice has now come full circle.
The Durban-based architect and self-confessed car enthusiast from Kloof has been announced as the winner of a brand-new Jetour X70 Plus Momentum SUV, the top prize in the Reach For A Dream Foundation’s 30th annual Dream Raffle. McTavish officially received the keys during a handover ceremony at Jetour South Africa in Centurion, marking a moment that blended celebration with purpose.
“This is really mine — I can’t believe it,” McTavish said at the handover, visibly absorbing the reality of the win.
A raffle built on more than prizes
The annual Dream Raffle is one of Reach For A Dream Foundation’s flagship fundraising initiatives, offering supporters the chance to win significant prizes while directly contributing to the Foundation’s mission: fulfilling the dreams of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
The 2025 Dream Raffle, run from July to December, was made possible through a partnership with Jetour South Africa. Participants entered by purchasing R200 tickets via the official Dream Raffle platform, knowing that every entry helped sustain the Foundation’s work.
McTavish purchased five tickets, motivated less by the possibility of winning and more by the cause behind the campaign.
“I knew that even if I didn’t win, the money was going toward something meaningful,” he said.
The call that changed everything
The moment of truth came unexpectedly.
McTavish was travelling for work when Reach For A Dream CEO Julia Sotirianakos attempted to reach him with the winning call. He only returned it once his plane had landed. The news quickly rippled outward — his wife, Louise, began receiving messages from friends who had watched the live raffle draw streamed on the Foundation’s social media platforms on 15 December 2025.
What followed was a wave of disbelief, excitement, and gratitude.
As a technology enthusiast, McTavish says he is particularly looking forward to experiencing the space, comfort, luxury, and advanced technology offered by the seven-seater Jetour X70 Plus Momentum SUV.
Turning generosity into impact
Reach For A Dream CEO Julia Sotirianakos highlighted the deeper significance behind the win.
“We congratulate Gordon on his win,” she said. “Proceeds from initiatives like the Dream Raffle enable us to continue creating moments of hope for children facing life-threatening illnesses. We are grateful to Jetour South Africa for their support in making this year’s raffle a success.”
While one family celebrates a new vehicle, countless others benefit from the ripple effect of collective generosity — a reminder that participation itself is a form of impact.
More winners, more dreams supported
The Dream Raffle also delivered joy to other participants across the country.
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Second prize went to Gavin Govender from Durban, who won an Authentic Retreats holiday package.
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Third prize was claimed by Jenny Williams from Daleview, who received lifestyle vouchers worth R4,500.
Each prize represents more than a reward — it reflects a shared commitment to changing young lives through compassion and action.
Looking ahead to 2026
With the 2025 raffle concluded, attention now turns to what lies ahead. Members of the public are encouraged to follow Reach For A Dream Foundation’s social media channels for updates and information regarding the 2026 Dream Raffle Competition.
For McTavish, the journey has already taken on new meaning.
A ticket bought to support a dream has delivered one — proving that sometimes, giving back really does drive you forward.
