Lottery on course to raise thousands for good causes
News release issued:
More than 50 local good causes have started raising funds from Wyre Forest Community Lottery.
The first draw took place at the end of November and if current ticket sales continue the lottery will generate at least £45,000 for local organisations in its first year – even more if more players come on board.
There are currently around 700 players playing the lottery each week, all hoping to win a £25,000 jackpot by matching a sequence of six numbers. There are other cash prizes of £2,000, £250, £25 available as well as free tickets.
In the first month we have already had two lucky winners scooping £2,000 each with many more winning smaller amounts in the Saturday draws.
And while we wait for our first £25,000 jackpot winner, we can announce which lucky player won our extra prize of a fabulous Fitbit Charge 4 in the first draw - Edd Fanshawe of Cleobury Mortimer.
Edd said: “To win the raffle in the first draw and get a new Fitbit was amazing, but more importantly it’s great to see support for some exceptional local charities. The work they all do is incredible the least we can do is help this great work to continue by entering the raffle. I urge everyone to spare a few pounds and choose some lucky numbers, you never know it could be you next week!’
Tickets cost £1 with 60p going towards local good causes, compared with just 28p in the pound for the National Lottery, available to buy at https://www.wyreforestcommunitylottery.co.uk/
The council does not receive any money from the new lottery.
Official good causes receive 50p in every pound spent by players who select them. Another 10p in every pound goes into a general good causes fund, with the remainder being put towards prizes, operating costs and VAT.
Players who do not wish to support a specific cause can still take part in the lottery with 60p of their ticket price going into a central good causes fund, which will be distributed by the council.
Wyre Forest District Council has appointed an established operator which works with other councils across the country to manage the lottery.
Cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection Councillor Helen Dyke said: “We’re very pleased we were able successfully launch this exciting new initiative in 2020.
“This year has been difficult for everyone, and has proved to be such a tough time for organisations who have been unable to raise income through more traditional fund raising activities.
“We are all looking forward to celebrating our first jackpot winner and in the meantime would urge people to have a go and support one of the district’s many good causes.”
If you are part of a local charity or organisation, you can apply to become an official good cause at any time. More information on how to apply to become a good cause is available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/LotteryLaunch
Other councils running local lotteries include Worcester City, Telford and Wrekin and South Staffs.