When David Toeng died suddenly in August last year, it not only devastated his wife Frances and their three children, but also the Spotswood community where the couple had operated the post office and newsagent on Hudsons Road for 20 years.
Now five months after the 72 year-old’s death and with Spotswood Post, News and Lotto permanently closed, the local traders association, Our Hood Spotswood, has launched a fundraising raffle to help his widow move on to the next stage of her life.
“After David’s sudden passing the business community felt they wanted to support Frances’s family in some form,” Our Hood Spotswood secretary Tony Mead said.
“Local business Kieser Training offered to run a raffle as part of an open day they were running but it soon became obvious that the generous donations from so many local businesses was going to be too large to fit into a one day raffle.”
Instead, Our Hood Spotswood took over organising the raffle and stretched it out over almost three months. Tickets went on sale on 22 December last year and will finally be drawn on March 13, with $4000 worth of donated prizes up for grabs.
Mr Mead said it was the least they could do for Ms Toeng, who along with her late husband, was an integral part of the local community.
“All proceeds of the raffle will be donated to Frances to help support her moving forward and as recognition of the love and respect the Spotswood community held for David and his dedication to running this small but vital business in our area.”
Frances Toeng said she was deeply grateful for the support.
“I didn’t know there was so much support from other businesses and the customers and the community,” Ms Toeng said.
While operating Spotswood Post, News and Lotto, the couple travelled each day from their home in the eastern suburbs and with the business now closed, Ms Toeng said no longer visited the inner west as much.
“I miss Spotswood, I miss the people, I miss the friends” she said, adding that she was looking forward to returning for the draw.
“I’ll be always coming back to Spotswood.”
Raffle tickets: https://www.ourhoodspotswood.com/raffle
