MSP praises Western Isles lottery team
Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery is spreading the word about about its success and how proceeds have already benefited every age group across the constituency.
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan met the team behind lottery and also became the latest islander to sign up for regular tickets via the WILL website www. westernisleslottery.co.uk.
Since its launch in August 2017, support has steadily increased and an average of 1,650 tickets are being purchased for each Saturday night draw.
The more supporters who join in, the higher the weekly prize pot rises and the more that can be returned to their area.
In just 10 months, a total of £53,765 has been raised to date, with £15,300 having been shared out in weekly prizes and £38,500 having been returned to the community.
The lottery is on target to raise £65,000 in its first year. With more supporters joining in at £1 per week via the website, much more can be raised and distributed.
Ensuring a fair distribution of funds was important to the team and a postcode system was devised whereby proceeds of any ticket purchased in a particular area was directly returned there.
Six established groups take responsibility for ensuring funds are utilised as effectively as possible in their communities.
Dr Allan said: ‘It’s great to see such a fantastic local initiative take off and flourish.
‘With the Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery, people can be sure the proceeds are kept within the islands and that local causes will be supported.
‘I congratulate the lottery team on the amount raised and I look forward to seeing if I have won in Saturday’s draw!’
Emma Fraser, on behalf of the lottery, added: ‘We can only continue to work hard at developing the lottery which, in turn, can only be successful with continued public support. Our motto is “Where There’s a WILL There’s a Way” – and we have already shown how beneficial a home grown lottery can be to our islands.’