Lottery passes two year anniversary

West Berks Council fundraiser benefits residents and good causes

TWO years after its launch in March 2019, West Berkshire Lottery has announced it has given away £124,440 to local good causes and community groups.

In addition, residents have received £39,000 in winnings.

The lottery, run by West Berkshire Council, has had a strong local response, with 131 organisations signing on to receive funds.

The council’s executive member for finance and economic development Ross Mackinnon (Conservative, Bradfield), said: “As we mark the second birthday of the West Berkshire Lottery, I’d like to thank all of the residents who have been supporting the local groups by playing the lottery over the past two years.

“The proceeds from the ticket sales provide vital support to local organisations, community groups and projects that benefit the local community.

“It’s a fun way to fundraise, so our amazing charities and community projects in West Berkshire can continue to provide important services, while our residents can play along and win prizes.

“If you are involved in running a charity or other good cause in West Berkshire, I would really encourage you to sign up.

“It’s completely free to take part.”

The Mary Hare Foundation, dedicated to the education of deaf children, is among the local organisations that have benefited from lottery funds.

Fundraiser Anne Munby said: “It is good to have a regular amount of funding coming in from this lottery, especially as we cannot have live events at the moment.

“It is also a great way to tell local people what Mary Hare does locally and share the delight when they have a win.”

Other beneficiaries have also spoken out in praise of the lottery.

Action for Pangbourne Toilets trustee Felicity Pethica said: “Action for Pangbourne Toilets (APT) is a Community Trust set up by a group of Pangbourne residents to reopen and run the toilet block in Station Road, Pangbourne.

“Joining the West Berkshire Lottery has added a regular funding stream and given the APT wider exposure than before.

“We have benefitted not only from those who support our specific cause, but also from those supporting all the worthy causes on the West Berks Lottery platform.

“West Berks Lottery also made a generous grant of £500 towards our running costs this year.

“This was gratefully received in a year where the normal grants and other sources of funds are uncertain or simply not there such as village fetes and events.”

Swings & Smiles chief executive Laura Lewis said: “We’ve raised nearly £3,000 through being a part of the West Berkshire Lottery and have also benefitted from the additional funds the community pot provides, enabling us to purchase some specialist pieces of equipment to help with sensory play.

“It’s a simple form of fundraising for us, and we always like being part of the local community.”

For more information about playing the lottery – and its operations – visit westberkshirelottery.co.uk