Changing Lives Near and Far: Eliason’s Story

Eliason is a 37-year-old father of three. He’s a husband, a barber, a gospel singer, and a respected figure in his local Adelaide community.

He’s also the second VIP prize winner of the Deaf Lottery Draw 222.

With the $10,000 prize, Eliason was able to support his family in Australia, and give back to the Tanzanian refugee camp near where he grew up.

Just a short time after his win, every child at Nyarugusu Primary School got their first school uniform – all donated by Eliason’s winnings. For the school, located inside Nduta Refugee Camp, this was something that they never thought possible.

Now, twenty years after migrating to Australia, Eliason’s drive to help others remains stronger than ever.

“I didn’t believe it when I first found out I’d won,” he said. “But then we got the funds, and I just kept on thinking – you know, there are people out there that are struggling.”

“I remembered where I came from, what people did for me. People that I don’t know, that I’m not related to. That’s also why I give to Deaf Lottery. Because I want to help people.”

After one phone call back to his community in Tanzania, Eliason began to form a plan. He knew exactly what he wanted to do with his winnings.

“When I was living there, I was going to Nduta refugee camp. It’s really hard to get water to drink – and food. We had the United Nations aid workers helping us get food,” he said.

“Simply because of the war, some children lost their parents. So, I gave money to both the primary school so the kids can get uniforms, and I gave to a woman who’s taking care of three orphans.”  

“I was on the phone to her. She just said, ‘whoever you are, to give me this money, for your help, I am so grateful.’”  

“And you know…that amount of money is worth lots over there. So, she was very happy with that,” he said.

“I am so lucky to be in this country, to be honest. I cannot put into words how I feel.”

Eliason and his wife both juggle demanding jobs to support their young family – he works part-time at a local barber shop, and she works night shifts as an aged care support worker. Their three boys, aged five, seven and ten, have faced life with remarkable resilience.  

“One lives with autism; another has a problem with his blood. So we go to the hospital every two months to give him the transfusions.”

Eliason said that this win has also helped his family cover the cost of hospital fees.

“When I get Deaf Lottery tickets, I tell my wife – these people are going through a lot. I want to help other people – because there were times when I needed help as well.”

“After this win, I said to my wife, what if we get the big win next? I’m going to keep this membership and keep on giving back with what I have.”

“You guys do this lottery to help the Deaf community here. But what you don’t see is your funds have helped me to support my community that is struggling far away. Your eyes can’t see it, but you’re supporting families there.”

From all of us at the Deaf Lottery, we’d like to thank Eliason, for the incredible example he’s set, and the lives he’s changed with his generosity and kindness.

And thank you to all of our supporters, who continue to amaze us with the meaningful ways you use your winnings. Here’s to more lives being changed – and to empowering our Deaf community!