A young mother’s life changed overnight when she was handed the keys to a brand-new kit home after winning Trukai Industries’ Win Your Own Home promotion in Lorengau, Manus last Friday. The lucky winner, 30-year-old Pauline Simahun, married with two boys, could hardly contain her emotions as Trukai staff presented her with the house key at Papindo in Lorengau. Pauline, who is originally from Morobe and East New Britain, is married to Steven Simahun of Loniu village, Manus. “I am grateful to Trukai for the house, I never thought I would win. I only entered with two tickets at Papindo in Lorengau,” she said. “When they first drew my name, I didn’t know until people from the village showed me on their phone, that was then when I realized it was true. I don’t know what else to say but thank you, Trukai!” Her husband Steven shared the same excitement, describing the moment as a longtime dream turned into reality. “I work, but owning a home was something we always dreamed of. We never thought it would come from just two lucky tickets. Trukai has given us something to truly own,” he said. Pauline was one of four major winners in the nationwide promotion, which ran from October 7, 2024, to February 28, 2025, with the grand draw held on March 27, 2025. To enter, shoppers had to purchase a 10kg bag of Roots Rice, complete the entry form, and drop it into participating store bins. Other regional winners included Iamo Rigana (Southern Region, Port Moresby), Madila John (Momase Region, Lae), and Ukut Inako (Highlands Region, Mt. Hagen). For Pauline and Steven, the simple act of purchasing rice turned into the gift of a lifetime, a home to call their own in Manus.