NTI, a specialist insurer in Australia’s transport and logistics industry, has launched its 2025 Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Research Raffle, introducing a new approach by offering two vehicles as the main prize.
The initiative continues NTI’s long-standing commitment to MND research, following the death of its former CEO Wayne Patterson in 2018 from the disease. Since 2017, the company has raised more than $2.5 million through vehicle raffles, with funds supporting the NTI Research Grant.
The grant is managed by the MND and Me Foundation and supports research undertaken at the University of Queensland, the Queensland Brain Institute and the Clive Berghofer Medical Institute.
This year’s raffle will feature a Toyota Tundra hybrid utility vehicle, referred to as “Dusty,” along with a New Age Manta Ray 19ft expedition caravan. It is the first time NTI has combined two vehicles as a prize.
The shift follows a similar change in 2022, when the insurer raffled a new expedition truck instead of a restored classic, raising a record $555,850.
Tony Clark, chief executive of NTI, said the pairing of a pick-up and caravan offered a ready-made setup for off-road travel.
The Toyota Tundra is described by NTI as the most powerful Toyota model sold in Australia. It includes features such as a 14-inch multimedia screen compatible with both Apple and Android platforms, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control. It is also equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense technology, which includes a pre-collision system that can detect pedestrians and cyclists, active cruise control, and lane departure alerts with steering assist.
The accompanying New Age Manta Ray caravan is configured for remote travel. Its features include an ensuite with internal shower and toilet, reverse-cycle air conditioning, leatherette seating, a Queen-size bed, and power systems that include a 3000W inverter, 180Amp and DC/DC chargers, and four 200W solar panels.
The public can view the prize at the Brisbane Truck Show, taking place May 15-18. The winner will be drawn on July 13 during the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars event.
Approximately 2,100 Australians live with MND, with two new cases diagnosed each day.
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