Railway workers unite to benefit Sotiriou family

RTBU member Gary Pontifex recently raised $3,000 for the family of former RTBU Locomotive Division Vice President (Passenger Section), Depot Organiser and great mate to many, John Sotiriou, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Gary says he raised the money though an Oz Lotto fundraiser pick, with tickets costing $100 per number and 45 numbers to sell.

In just one week he had sold all the numbers because so many railway workers contributed – from station staff to guards to drivers and even retired RTBU members.

“People didn’t hesitate in buying numbers and I sold them up really quickly,” Gary says.

“[John] was a true gentleman and did so much for all on the railway as he was a union representive and always went out of his way to help everyone.

“So when I heard that his wife could do with some help to pay the bills I thought we should step in and give back and that’s what railway employees did.”

“This just goes to show that we really are a railway family, there’s so much support and it’s great. The morale is there and and we help each other out.”

The $3000 has now been deposited directly to the Sotiriou Family Benefit Account.

If you would like to donate to John’s family it’s not too late – you can contribute via the Sotiriou Family Benefit Account, set up by the RTBU.

The banking details are as follows:

Account Name: Sotiriou Family Benefit Account

BSB: 802-184

ACCOUNT NO:100729