RIYADH: Saudi girl Abeer Salman Al-Sheikh was declared the first winner of the “Centrepoint Millionaire Campaign” and was presented with the SR1 million at a ceremony on Monday night. The prize was handed over by Neelesh Bhatnagar, chief executive officer of Al-Bandar Group (Centrepoint).
Speaking on the occasion, Bhatnagar said that the millionaire campaign was designed to create awareness about our new name ‘Centrepoint.’
“The footfall during the monthlong campaign was exceptional, with over 850,000 customers visiting Centrepoint stores across the Kingdom. The overwhelming response we received has encouraged us to plan a follow-up campaign,” said Bhatnagar.
The ceremony also saw traditional Saudi dances by young Saudi boys and songs by little girls at the local Holiday Inn hotel. The event was attended by a large number of Saudi and expatriate executives and guests.
Abeer said, “I am very happy, and I will donate part of this money to some charities, while the rest will be used probably to buy an apartment.
“I am happy to receive such a huge amount of money especially at a time when my application for scholarship to pursue higher studies in Malaysia was rejected by the Ministry of Higher Education,” she added.
Abeer, who holds a Masters degree in social work from King Saud University, said laughingly that she would marry if she found a good man.
Speaking to reporters during the concluding session, Bhatnagar said that the Cityplaza had gone a long way since the first store in 1997 in Jeddah. “We now have 38 stores in 22 Saudi cities,” he added.
He pointed out that the millionaire campaign was for every one, and the only requirement was to answer a simple question and fill in a form. There was no purchase required in order to participate, he noted.
“An event of this nature will undoubtedly further enhance the relationship that exists between the consumer and the Centrepoint brand and increase its brand equity in the Kingdom,” said Bhatnagar.