Comping all the way to Waikiki beach, Hawaii

ANDREE CLARKE WINS HER DREAM HOLIDAY PRIZE

 

             Wouldn’t you love to win a holiday to Hawaii? It has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a gorgeous tropical climate and relaxing atmosphere that will make you forget all about boring everyday life while you are there.

Imagine how happy you’d be, relaxing on the beach with the sun hitting your face and the sound of the waves lulling you into a peaceful daydream. Then double that happiness − you are there for FREE − having won an exotic holiday of your dreams!

For comper Andree Clark, 43 year old mother of two from Kent, watching the classic cop series Hawaii Five-O was the start of a life-long dream to go to Hawaii. And thanks to her hobby, comping, she made that dream come true…

Andree and her daughter were in Tesco doing the weekly shop when they spotted the marketing team for Dole (producers of fresh, tinned and frozen fruit and veg) handing out samples of pineapple chunks and the chance to enter a prize draw to win a holiday to Hawaii!

Now Andree used to enter a lot of competitions, but had stopped when she changed jobs and "work time" cut into "hobby time"! But, seeing this competition and the chance to win a the holiday of her dreams but things into perspective; you need to make time for the things you enjoy − and she decided to start entering comps again.

To enter the competition Andree wrote her name and address on a postcard and sent it off to the promotion address. The Tesco/Dole comp was the first comp she's entered in years… and can you believe it, she won!

"I was so surprised, I burst into tears."

Andree was so surprised when the prize organisers called her to say she had won, she burst into tears. I don't think she would have believed them at all, if it weren't for the fact that the lady on the phone was actually holding Andree's winning postcard in her hand as she spoke to her − she could even describe it!

Andree was so surprised when the prize organisers called her to say she had won, she burst into tears. I don't think she would have believed them at all, if it weren't for the fact that the lady on the phone was actually holding Andree's winning postcard in her hand as she spoke to her − she could even describe it!

Andree and her husband couldn't fault the prize organisers − who went out of their way to arrange an extra two nights In Hawaii and even booked a day's trip to The Sea Life Park to swim with dolphins − something Andree had always wanted to do.
When they arrived at their hotel, the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu island, they had their room upgraded. They loved everything about the hotel, the rooms, the staff, the restaurants and the pool. " They keep everything impeccably clean," Andree told me. "They even sweep the lawn!"

Aloha! Getting into the spirit of Hawaii!

A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian festival, celebrating with dancing, music and delicious Hawaiian foods. Luas have become more of a tourist event, but they are loads of fun and really get you into the spirit of Hawaii.

A Luau is a traditional Hawaiian festival, celebrating with dancing, music and delicious Hawaiian foods. Luas have become more of a tourist event, but they are loads of fun and really get you into the spirit of Hawaii.

Andree and her husband went to a Luau at The Polynesian Cultural Centre. They tried weaving, speaking the language, dancing and also sampled the delicious coconut bread. Andree describes the huge boat display along the river; “every boat was full of colour and music and dancers. We took a boat ride down to a massive dinner hall, with more colourful displays of local dancing and music ­ − there were even fire dancers! It was something that we will never ever forget.”

Fun on Waikiki beach!

On Waikikki beach on Oahu island there is the famous statue of the surfing legend, Duke Kahanamoku, and next to that a public web cam! Andree and her husband arranged a time to use the web cam with their kids back home and got to wave to them, all the way from Hawaii!

"It was so exciting to see them so far away",  says her daughter. "We waved back like mad, though they couldn't see us!!!!!"

How comping can get you to the places, you always wanted to go.

If anyone ever asks you "is comping worth it?" tell them about Andree. I think they'll agree it is.

If anyone ever asks you "is comping worth it?" tell them about Andree. I think they'll agree it is.

Since winning her dream holiday prize, Andree has found more time for her hobby again, subscribed to Winner's Friend and won more prizes − most recently a family ticket to Leeds Castle.  

"We've live  just round the corner from Leeds Castle, but in 17 years, we have never got round to going!" Andree confesses. Comping as not only been the ticket to her dream holiday destination but also got her and the family somewhere they have been meaning to go for 17 years!

Now Andree is determined to win another fabulous holiday prize − and guess where her first choice is? Hawaii. She can't wait to go back!