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Botany Town Centre Helps To Fund Teacher's Future

Thursday 1 April 2010, 12:13PM

By Alexander PR

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Papakura Central School Principal Barbara Duckworth and AMP Capital Shopping Centre Senior Marketing Manager Desiree Clark with the lucky winner Belinda Cooper
Papakura Central School Principal Barbara Duckworth and AMP Capital Shopping Centre Senior Marketing Manager Desiree Clark with the lucky winner Belinda Cooper Credit: Craig Lord

One lucky Papakura local started her day with an unexpected high last Friday morning, when she was presented with flowers and a cheque for $20,000. Belinda Cooper, who teaches at Papakura Central School, was stunned when it was announced at her school assembly that she was the winner of the Botany Town Centre Help Fund Your Future promotion.

A necessity in every woman’s summer wardrobe is what secured Belinda’s win. During February, she purchased a bikini from Botany Town Centre and went into the draw to win the grand prize.

“I had my suspicions at the assembly when our principal Barbara introduced the visitors from Botany Town Centre but I still couldn’t believe I had won,” says Belinda. ”My family and friends couldn’t believe it either and the kids I teach were jumping off the walls with excitement. They all went home and told their mum and dad that Miss Cooper had won a whole lot of money.”

The Fund Your Future promotion ran nationwide at AMP Capital Shopping Centres and aimed to help people beat the recession blues of 2009 and give someone the chance to begin the year on a high note.

Now in her third year of teaching, Belinda says the $20,000 will go towards buying her first home. “Saving for a house was always on the agenda but the money will get us that much closer to making it a reality.”

AMP Capital Shopping Centre Senior Marketing Manager Desiree Clark says it was a pleasure to announce Belinda as the winner in front of her entire school. “The last year has been tough on a lot of people and being able to reward someone in the community with a significant cash prize was such a thrill. We hope the money will help make Belinda’s dream of owning her own home come true.”

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About Botany Town Centre
Situated approximately 19km southeast of Auckland, Botany Town Centre is one of New Zealand’s largest retail developments, with 169 specialty stores. Its retailers range from Dick Smith Electronics to Rebel Sports and a full complement of banks, fashion stores, and New Zealand’s most popular café and restaurant chains. The centre includes one of Auckland’s largest Farmers stores and a New World supermarket. The centre provides diverse entertainment choices from the Circle Lounge at Berkeley Cinema to the award-winning Cock and Bull pub. In addition to its retail offering, Botany Town Centre is a community hub for other services including the Botany Library, the Community Constable, and a variety of medical and health providers.