A wealth of worthy causes could be in line for a cash windfall from a new Tonbridge & Malling borough council online lottery which is offering a top prize of £25,000.
The weekly draw, scheduled to begin this summer, is set to support charities and organisations.
The lottery comes in the wake of national research from Lloyds Bank Foundation that revealed 81 per cent of charitable organisations find it challenging to raise sufficient funds to survive. This was despite 72 per cent of charities surveyed confirming there had been an increase in demand for their services.
Those entering Tonbridge’s new Saturday night lottery will see 50p from every £1 ticket purchased, donated to charity, with the remaining 50p split between the prize fund, which gains 20p, 12p for a prize fund manager, and 18p placed in a council reserve, which will then be donated a range of charities across the area.
According to the council, all net proceeds from its lottery will be paid to local good causes.
Beyond the top weekly prize of £25,000 awarded for six correct numbers, there are further prizes of £1,000 for
five correct numbers, and £100 for four correct numbers plus three ‘free plays’ for three correct numbers. Tickets will be available online and winners will be notified by email.
Sean Downs, from the Rotary Club of Tonbridge, felt the new lottery would have a positive impact.
He said: “Anything that creates the opportunity to support the great charities we have in the area is a good thing. Tonbridge is a fantastic place in terms of people giving back to the town, with many people offering their time and expertise, so this new lottery will be welcome.”
Councillor Martin Coffin, Tonbridge & MallingBorough Council cabinet member for finance, believed the new lottery would benefit a broad spread of charities.
He said: “The proposed lottery offers a fantastic opportunity for voluntary and community groups to raise money for their good causes without the overheads and worry of operating a traditional fundraiser. I would urge charities and organisations wishing to benefit from this innovative approach to helping them to raise funds to register their interest by emailing lottery@tmbc.gov.uk.”
