A Year Later: Roger & Virginia's Journey with The Sink Warehouse's 40k Kitchen Giveaway

As the anniversary of their win approaches, Roger and Virginia, the lucky recipients of The Sink Warehouse's 40k kitchen giveaway, take a moment to reflect. In this exclusive Q&A session, we delve into their thoughts, emotions, and the lasting impact of this life-changing experience. Join us as we revisit their journey and celebrate the enduring spirit of generosity.

1. Can you share your initial reaction upon hearing you won the "Cash or the Kitchen Sink" competition with The Sink Warehouse?

From the initial time Roger was successful in getting through on the phone, he had a feeling he was going to win. It was a good few days as it was my (Virginia’s) birthday and Mother’s day that weekend. Then the next day, the Monday morning Roger’s phone rang, he jumped out of bed and tried frantically to “swipe” the screen to answer, the phone just wouldn’t “swipe to answer” but fortunately on the last ring it worked. Roger’s voice was “trembling” so much in excitement trying to talk to Clairsy and Lisa. I was in the background screaming loudly OMG! OMG! We were ecstatic – talked of nothing else for about a whole month. Just after Roger had finished talking to Clairsy and Lisa, our mobiles were going off – friends and work colleagues asking was that you on the radio just now? 

We were so happy to say Yes it was ?

2. What made you choose the kitchen makeover over the cash prize? 

Roger felt that the $40,000 would give us a better opportunity to get that dream kitchen. 

3. How would you describe your kitchen before the makeover, and what were you most looking forward to changing?   

The kitchen was old, tired and definitely in need of a makeover. Having drawers instead of cupboards.

4. Can you walk us through the planning and design process with The Sink Warehouse team? How involved were you in the process? 

Meeting Daniel and Yvonne was fantastic, they were both inspiring and proud to work for Sink Warehouse. They involved us with everything, and Yvonne gave us about 10 different design options to change the kitchen. We were unsure of what the prize would include – so when it was confirmed that they could incorporate moving walls etc., this became a dream design. We were involved through the whole design process, and took on board the expertise of Yvonne’s recommendations. 

5. What were some of the key features or appliances you were excited to include in your new kitchen design? 

The dishwasher! Didn’t have one before – absolutely brilliant don’t know how I managed without one before! – also the new oven and microwave together with extractor hood. The pull-out pantry is a must have – the ease of opening and seeing everything at once is great. 

6. How did The Sink Warehouse team ensure the final kitchen design aligned with your lifestyle and preferences? 

Yvonne was super helpful and re-designed a couple of feature for us, as we are getting older we felt that having an under bench oven wasn’t a good idea for us so Yvonne re-designed and incorporated it at eye level. Choosing the colours and finishes of the kitchen is a personal choice but the advice from Yvonne also assisted us in our final choice. 

7. Describe the moment you saw your kitchen being gutted. What emotions were you experiencing, knowing a transformation was underway and there was no turning back? 

Many memories in the old kitchen – but it was badly designed in the first place and had dreadful cupboards that were so high that you couldn’t utilise them and another cupboard that was small and awkward to see into, so apart from the lovely memories we were really looking forward to the transformation. The contractors who miraculously pulled out the kitchen and walls were great – they worked quickly and efficiently. Even though we had no kitchen to work with Roger created a “make-do” area in the far corner of the family room where we continued to prepare food and put the old oven outside – we continued to cook during the whole transformation to handover. I think we only had take-away 3 times during that time as we both enjoy cooking.

8. During the renovation, how did The Sink Warehouse team keep you updated on progress and address any concerns? 

Dan and Yvonne and the contractors were excellent in contacting us prior and informing us of expected timelines. We were given a calendar of events and virtually spot on with the timings on this.  

9. Now that you're living with your new kitchen, what are some aspects of the design or specific features that have made the biggest impact on your daily life? What do you love the most?

We both feel that the kitchen has made our house bigger – one of the biggest impacts is taking the kitchen wall out, when we walk in the house from the front door, we can see straight through the house – through the kitchen to the wonderful view of the bushland. It has opened up the house and made it more modern. There is a “WOW” factor now. The island bench makes it so much easier to cook and prepare food, plus the extra cupboards and drawers that surround the island bench are a life saver, as everything is easy to find. The positioning of the dishwasher/oven/island bench has made it flow easier. We are living the dream in a dream kitchen that was brilliantly created by Sink Warehouse.

In this reflective Q&A with Roger and Virginia, we've witnessed the enduring impact of The Sink Warehouse's 40k kitchen giveaway, one year on. Their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of unexpected blessings and the profound sense of gratitude that accompanies them. As we bid farewell to this chapter, let Roger and Virginia's story serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of generosity and community support. Here's to many more years of shared joy, cherished memories, and the spirit of giving.

Roger and Virginia Williams (winners of the 2023 Sink Warehouse Competition)