Six winners from India, Egypt, the Philippines, and Uganda have each won Dh100,000 as Season 3 of ‘Dear Big Ticket’ comes to a close.
‘Dear Big Ticket’ Season 3 aimed to reward the most inspiring wishes from UAE residents. Participants submitted wishes in five categories: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Housing & Accommodation, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Family Reunion. Public voting determined the six final winners.
Weeks of public voting and community support revealed the final six winners, each receiving Dh100,000 to make their dreams a reality.
Meet the lucky winners:
Veronica Immaculate Angwen
Veronica, a 37-year-old secretary from Uganda, has been living in Abu Dhabi since 2015 while her son stays in Uganda with his grandmother. She works tirelessly to ensure a better future for him and hasn’t visited him for years.
“I was job hunting when I discovered Big Ticket. I researched and decided to share my story. When I was invited to the studio and found out I won, I couldn’t stop crying. It was an emotional and overwhelming moment,” she remembers.
Veronica Immaculate Angwen. Photo: Big Ticket
“I plan to bring my son here to celebrate his birthday with me for the first time in years. I would try Big Ticket again; there’s so much to gain. My advice is: the sky’s the limit. Keep trying. As long as you’re alive, there’s hope.”
Kajol Shree Ravichandran
A 25-year-old student from Tamil Nadu, studying AI and Cybersecurity, has lived in Sharjah since 2002. Her dream is to further her studies and support her aging parents.
“My sister saw a Big Ticket ad on Instagram and encouraged me to apply. It was my first time participating. When I found out I won, I was overjoyed. There are no words to express how I feel. My dad was the happiest because he knows how much my studies mean to me,” she shared.
Kajol Shree Ravichandran. Photo: Big Ticket
The prize money will support my education and family. I hope to try Big Ticket again in the future, but for now, I am grateful. Thank you, Big Ticket, for making my dream come true.”
Manju Jose
Manju, a 35-year-old housewife from Kerala, has lived in Sharjah for nine years. Her life changed two years ago when she lost her job, making finances tight. She sent her daughter to India and hasn’t seen her since.
“I saw a Big Ticket ad on Instagram and decided to try my luck. Imagine my reaction when I won. For two years, my husband and I barely slept, but since winning, our days feel brighter, and we eagerly await seeing our daughter,” she shares.
“With the prize, we plan to visit Kerala, reunite with our daughter, and take her shopping. Some money will go towards an online business. I will participate in Big Ticket again; they answered my prayers, and I am truly grateful.”
Eslam Shafshak
A 51-year-old physician from Egypt, living in the UAE for three years. Born in Saudi Arabia, he moved to the UAE for further studies. His greatest wish is to continue his education to help more people and make medicine accessible to all.
“I found Big Ticket during a tough time. I was financially unstable and considered leaving my studies to support my children. Discovering Big Ticket felt like a sign to continue. Winning allows me to support my education,” he shares.
Eslam Shafshak. Photo: Big Ticket
“With the prize, I can continue my studies and work towards making treatments accessible for all. Thank you, Big Ticket, for helping me take a step toward my dream.”
Alejandra Pura Fodra
A 54-year-old nursery assistant from the Philippines, living in Abu Dhabi for 25 years. The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard when her husband lost his job, and they sent their children home. Her greatest wish is to reunite her family.
“I saw a Big Ticket ad on Facebook and decided to try. We’ve bought tickets for 11 years. Winning felt surreal. After countless prayers and attempts, it finally happened. I’m speechless, Big Ticket granted my wish,” she says.
“With the prize, I’ll reunite my family. It’s been my prayer for so long, and talking about it makes me emotional. I’ll continue buying from Big Ticket and thank the team for making my dream come true.”
Vineetha Shibu Kumar
Vineetha, from India, submitted a wish under Educational Support. Her priority is her son’s health, who needs regular medication for seizures. They hope to find local educational opportunities for him, ensuring his safety and access to healthcare.
Being one of the six winners, Vineetha was overjoyed and grateful for the support that helps her move closer to her wish.
