The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for us all, but it has also highlighted the incredible kindness that bonds our communities together.
That’s why the Essex Lottery is calling on residents to support the good causes across Essex that have stepped up during lockdown and players could be in with a chance of winning up to £25,000.
Kirsty O’Callaghan, Head of Strengthening Communities at Essex County Council, says: “Our local good causes always go above and beyond to support communities across Essex. But over the last year we have been especially overwhelmed by how they have gone that extra mile, despite facing their own challenges due to fundraising events being cancelled. At a time when they need it most you can help make a big difference by playing the Essex Lottery”.
Kirsty added: “As a player you get to support a cause close to your heart and potentially win some cash. As a good cause it’s easy to sign up with no fees or contracts involved. So, it really is a win-win situation for all involved.”
Tickets cost just £1 a week with the player’s chosen cause receiving 50p and the remaining 10p being distributed to other local good causes. 20p goes back into the prize pot. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize each week, which is statistically a better chance than winning other lotteries.
Since its launch in November 2017, the Essex Lottery has donated over £268,000 to good causes across the county, like the Herts and Essex Community Farm based in Harlow.
The community farm, built on a derelict piece of land in 2013, produces fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable food for the local community, whilst also providing a shared space for people to cultivate skills, get exercise and make friends.
Munaza Ali, a volunteer at Herts and Essex Community Farm, says: “We do so much more than just growing food. We have many people volunteering here of all ages and backgrounds, working together to create a community where we belong. It’s just like one big family”.
Gardening and being outside in nature are known to significantly improve wellbeing. The volunteering opportunities that the Herts and Essex Community Farm provide is actively helping to reduce social isolation and improve people’s mental and physical health.
Read the full case study HERE to learn more.
Munaza Ali is now encouraging other good causes to sign up. She added: “The Essex Lottery gives us a guaranteed, regular income, which is so important. It’s easy to promote ticket sales too as Essex Lottery supply us with marketing collateral for use on social media. It really has been an absolute lifesaver this year and we are infinitely grateful to everyone who plays to support us.”
If you would like to register as a good cause, then visit the Essex Lottery website. You will also be given regular marketing materials to help promote your lottery.
In addition to the weekly cash prizes, players who buy a ticket before 24th April will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £1000 voucher from Currys PC World. Conditions apply: https://www.essexlottery.co.uk/
