Transport and logistics insurer NTI has announced that it hit a new fundraising record for a classic 1946 Jailbar truck that it restored, with the proceeds going towards Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
The classic truck, named “Jolene,” raised a record-high of $235,000 from over 27,000 raffle ticket sales. NTI committed an additional sum to boost the total funds raised from the initiative to $335,000 – with every dollar going directly to the MND research to help find a cure or effective treatment for the debilitating disease.
NTI chief executive officer Tony Clark said the insurer was thrilled with the new record set by Jolene, the third Jailbar and fourth truck restored by NTI.
“Elizabeth Fritsch from Aldavilla, New South Wales, was announced as the lucky winner and new owner of ‘Jolene’. She was shocked and excited when I rang her from the Brisbane Truck Show with the news of her win,” Clark said.
“It's a wonderful result. She'd bought two tickets via Facebook, which goes to prove if you're in it, you're a chance of winning. We had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth and her family to congratulate her and hand over the keys in person. Seeing the sheer joy on their faces was priceless.”
NTI supports research into MND as a legacy to late CEO Wayne Patterson, who was diagnosed in 2015 and later lost his battle. His widow Lisa drew the winning ticket at an official ceremony at the Brisbane Truck Show, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
“It's vital we find a cure, as every day in Australia, two people die from MND,” Clark said. “Jolene is a work of art. She's not just a truck, and the result is a team effort. The commitment NTI's people have shown to fundraising for MND research is humbling.
“And, of course, none of this would be possible without our sensational industry partners – especially Isuzu Trucks and Royan Truck & Trailer Repairs Brisbane – who jump on board each and every time with the same level of support and enthusiasm.”
The funds raised from the latest initiative is on top of $534,000 already donated by NTI to MND and Me and MND Research Australia in the past five years to fund the insurance giant's official research grant.
