Audi Foundation milestone

The fifth Audi Foundation fund raiser proves an outstanding success.

The fifth Audi Foundation fund raiser has proved a true highlight in a year of unparalleled challenges.

8 December, 2020


This year, all tickets sold out in record time, raising half a million dollars for the foundation’s charity partners

In a year sadly lacking in good news and high points, the latest Audi Foundation fund raiser has provided plenty of reasons to smile as 2020 draws to a close. The fifth raffle held by the Audi Foundation since its inception in 2017, this year’s fundraiser could arguably have been the most important of all, coming as it did in the midst of a raft of new challenges facing Australian communities.

With just 10,000 tickets available and a new Audi Q8 on offer for one lucky participant, there was plenty of incentive to get behind the initiative and help the Audi Foundation and its charity partners continue to provide support across a wide range of ongoing programs that have a real and positive impact on Australians across the country.

This year, all tickets sold out in record time, raising half a million dollars for the foundation’s charity partners and leaving Mr Ain Kalmus, a long-time Audi fan and owner, with a Dragon orange Q8 to drive home.

As well as the $500,000 raised through tickets sales, Audi Australia also donated an additional $10 for every ticket sold to Lifeline, the country’s leading crisis support centre, with Audi Australia Managing Director, Paul Sansom, handing over a cheque for $100,000 to Carrie Leeson, CEO of Lifeline Canberra at the completion of the raffle draw. 

“The support from Audi Australia could not have come at a more crucial time for our community,” Ms Leeson said on accepting the cheque.

Carrie Leeson, CEO of Lifeline Canberra accepts the cheque from Audi Australia Managing Director, Paul Sansom.

“This incredible donation will enable Lifeline to respond to calls from almost 4000 Australians in their time of need. Knowing every call is a life changing call, this will have a significant impact on the life of Australians.”

For Mr Kalmus too, the notification that he had won the Q8 was an unexpected but welcome highlight in a difficult year.

“2020 has been a difficult year for most people, including myself. I received the Audi Foundation email in August and was impressed by the aims and wanted to help people who were also having a challenging year. We have purchased three Audis over the years and currently still have one, so I am very, very excited about the Q8.”

To say there can be only one winner though is certainly not correct in this instance. Although Mr Kalmus was the one to drive home in the new Q8, the result is also a tremendous win for Audi Foundation and its partners and the thousands of people they support each year.

Congratulations to Mr Kalmus on the new addition to his garage and to everyone who supported the Audi Foundation with its 2020 fund raiser.

Of course the work of the Audi Foundation and its partners is ongoing and though when the calendar clicks over to 2021, while we all hope for a more memorable year that 2020, helping those in need will remain the focus. Roll on 2021 and with it, the next Audi Foundation fund raiser, the chance to help and the chance to drive away in something very special.

Of course the work of the Audi Foundation and its partners is ongoing and helping those in need remains the focus

Mr Ain Kalmus receives his new Audi Q8 from Audi Foundation Secretary, Isaac Gibbs.