NTI’s annual truck raffle has raised another $460,000 for Motor Neurone Disease research, taking the transport insurer’s total contribution to approximately $3.5 million since the initiative began in 2017.
The winner of this year’s custom-built truck was announced at the NTI Townsville 500, where Townsville couple Melita and Joe Raabe took home ‘Ruby’, a restored 1947 Chevrolet Maple Leaf.
The one-of-a-kind truck combines its classic Chevrolet body with modern engineering and 2019 Hino 4×4 running gear.
Melita Raabe said the couple had supported the raffle each year because of its contribution to MND research.
“We buy tickets to the NTI raffle every year because we want to support MND wherever we can,” she said.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause, and knowing the money is going towards research and helping families impacted by MND makes you want to be part of it.”
Raabe said the couple initially struggled to hear the announcement over the noise at Race Central.
“I remember thinking, ‘did they just say my name?’ The next time it was announced, we heard it clearly — Melita. It was an incredible moment,” she said.
Transport industry backs a shared cause
NTI CEO Janelle Greene said the raffle continued to bring the transport industry and the wider community together in support of MND research.
“This cause is close to our hearts at NTI,” Greene said.
“Through the generosity of our industry and community, we’ve been able to raise around $3.5 million for MND research since the first raffle in 2017.”
NTI said 100 per cent of the money raised through the raffle goes towards its official research grant, supporting medical institutions working to better understand MND and identify potential treatments.
MND remains a largely unexplained disease, with around 90 per cent of cases having no known cause.
“NTI’s truck raffles aren’t just about the prize, they’re a symbol of hope for people living with MND and their families,” Greene said.
“Every day, two Australians are diagnosed with MND, and tragically, two lives are lost.”
The 2026 raffle was the ninth conducted by NTI, with each year’s uniquely restored truck helping the heavy vehicle industry raise funds and awareness for MND research.
