Local Lottery boost for good causes

Bolsover District Community Lottery launched twelve months ago and is giving a much-needed fundraising boost to 37 causes across the District.

Charities, sports clubs, dance schools, community centres and other good causes are now receiving a direct cash injection from lottery ticket sales, which will go towards general running costs, equipment and other necessities.

Bolsover District Council, which helps to promote the lottery and get good causes on board on behalf of the national operator, is now inviting more worthy causes to take part.

The Community Unity Project (CUP) based in Creswell is one of the leading beneficiaries of the Lottery, having raised over £910 so far.

When a player buys a Bolsover District Community Lottery ticket, 60% of their ticket price - more than double what the National Lottery gives - goes to good causes that benefit their local community.

Another local group which is benefitting is 1st Whitwell Scouts and Guides. Group Scout Leader David Ellis said: “Our Scout Hut has been up since 1980 and it was only supposed to last 25 years. It needs to be upgraded so we can actually use it properly and have a safe, warm building for the kids. The money from the lottery is going into a pot to improve the building which will help us deliver Scouting for many more years to come.”

Cabinet Member for Partnerships at the Council, Councillor Mary Dooley said, “We are delighted to have reached our one year anniversary and helping to raise valuable funds for any good causes across the District.  

"With 37 causes already benefitting from the Lottery and generosity of the people from Bolsover District and beyond, we want as many good causes as possible to join.

“So if you help run a local club or charity, or you or your kids are part of a local sports team or dance society in Bolsover District for example, we're encouraging you to get them signed up to the lottery. 

"It's a free and easy way to raise funds for your organisation while supporting your community in the process."

Tickets for the Bolsover District Community Lottery start from just £1. When a player buys a ticket they are able to select a local charity or good cause to support.

The cause of their choice receives 50% of their ticket value, and an extra 10p goes into the central fund which will be used for small grants to those good causes signed up to the Lottery.

Lucky ticketholders have the chance to win up to £25,000 every week through the online draw each Saturday.

The Bolsover District Community Lottery is externally managed by Gatherwell, who run over 80 community lotteries for local authorities across the UK.

Gatherwell's community lotteries currently raise more than £5 million for grassroots community groups and good causes.

Anyone wishing to sign up a local cause or buy a ticket should go to the 'Are you a good cause?' section of the website or email for more information.