KIDS’ AND HOMELESS CHARITIES DESERVE A LOTT MORE

Research reveals who winners would support with their cash

HOMELESS and children’s charities are the worthy groups Irish people would support if they won the lotto, a survey has revealed.

The poll, conducted by Empathy Research for online lottery betting company Lottoland, found religious causes would be among the last to receive a contribution.

The firm’s Irish boss Graham Ross said: “It’s easy to dwell on those outlandish big ticket spends when daydreaming about that inevitable future lottery win, but for most winners one of the biggest decisions they will actually make is what charitable cause(s) to support.

“In our survey that taps into seasonal generosity we’ve asked who Irish adults would feel most compelled to support if luck falls their way in 2019.

“And it is heartening to see the areas of children’s health, medical awareness and homelessness come to the fore.”

The survey of 1,000 adults found 54% would donate first to a children’s medical charity like the Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Jack And Jill Children’s Foundation or Make A Wish Foundation.

A further 48% would support a medical awareness cause like the Irish Cancer Society, Irish Heart Foundation or Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

While 45% of those surveyed said their preference would be to donate to a homeless charity like the Peter Mcverry Trust, the Simon Community or Focus Ireland.

Mental health groups were close behind on 44%, with animal charities on 35%.

Contributing towards medical equipment at local hospitals came in at 34%, just ahead of international disaster relief and wildlife charities at 24%.

When it came to the homeless charity sector, the 55 to 64 age group are most engaged at 56%.

Those aged 25 to 34 are most likely to donate to an animal welfare charity at 46%.

And the younger group, from 18 to 24, would mostly give to a mental health charity at 58%.

would donate first to a children’s medical charity if they won the lottery