A woman, who just moved to Samoa four months ago, is the winner of a $3,000 tala new air-conditioning unit thanks to a promotion run by local company, Island Rock Limited.

Tusi Aliitasi Faasootau-Ale from Vaivase-tai collected the first prize of a Facebook-focused competition run by the firm, a brand new TCL 900BTU air-conditioning system and was picked out of 1,400 entries.

Her entry as part of the competition attracted over 1,600 likes and made her the standout winner.

Mrs. Faasootau-Ale told the media who gathered for the presentation that she just moved to Samoa four months ago to live with her Samoan husband, and that they did not have any air-conditioning at home prior to winning the prize.

“I actually saw the competition posted on a friend’s Facebook and thought it was interesting, especially in this weather with the humidity and the heat, air-conditioning is a luxury. I never would have expected this much support, so I feel very grateful. I would really like to thank Island Rock Limited for the opportunity to be a part of this competition,” she said.

Island Rock Limited General Manager, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, said the total value of the prize was close to $3,000 tala.

“TCL has come strongly into the market, especially in air-conditioning so they suggested doing an awareness program, meanwhile having an opportunity to give back to the country,” he said. “We are offering many more competitions to come, and this is just the start of the series. We will be running another one, probably in another month or so.”

Mr. Wallwork added the company is expected to roll out eight competitions throughout the year, but that the total value for each competition is yet to be decided, and will be confirmed along the way.

 “We were very happy to be able to offer this prize and still have even more to come. We want to thank everyone who took part, and we encourage them to keep faith as there is more to come,” he added. 

Offering advice for future contestants, Mrs. Faasootau-Ale said her key to success has been persistence.

 “I was fortunate to also have my sister as the driving force of it, she really helped asking people to support.”