Single mum Sian Gulliford works hard to provide for her little boy Luca – sometimes working 10-hour days at a local café in Mount Maunganui.

She was recently surprised when she got a call from PORSE, the early childhood education centre where her son attends, saying she had won $4000 or a $5000 trip to the Gold Coast.

Sian Gulliford with her son Luca.

'It was overwhelming,” says Sian.

Because of her hours, Sian needed flexible and reliable childcare, because she needed to drop Luca off at 6.30 each morning.

Earlier this year she found PORSE educator Kelly Veen, who was everything she was looking for and was prepared to do the early start.

At the time PORSE was running a promotion for parents who enrolled. Sian entered the draw and never gave it another thought, until recently when she received the exciting news.

'I couldn't believe it! I got a call to say I had won $4000 or a $5000 trip to the Gold Coast. It was so overwhelming,” says Sian.

'I have never won anything in my life so to win such a big prize was awesome.”

Sian opted to take the money because she is saving to buy her first house.

'The money went straight into my savings bank account, so I'm very happy.”

PORSE consultant Vicki Nimmo says she's happy someone as deserving as Sian won the prize.

'Sian works so hard and is bringing little Luca up on her own, with the help of Kelly, so it's great to see the money will be put to good use and will help Sian buy her first home.”