South Staffordshire Community Lottery has helped 107 charities and organisations in the district, providing cash for vital projects including activities and days out for disabled adults, support for children’s groups, equipment for litter picking and river water testing in the district, and habitats for birds and bats.
Manager Nick Morris, of Codsall-based charity Rockspur House, which provides support for adults with learning disabilities, said the fund has allowed their members to ‘live a normal life’.
“The funding has been life changing for us all,” he said.
“To know we have a regular fundraising stream coming in is just wonderful. We have been able to go the extra mile for some of our most vulnerable clients.”
Other causes which have benefited from the lottery include conservation group Friends of Bilbrook, Kats Cradle Cat Rescue, Age UK South Staffordshire, Perton Girl Guiding, Codsall Dramatic Society, AFC Gnosall, and Penkridge Air Cadets.
Friends of Bilbrook chairman, Keri Lloyd, said: “The money we’ve received means we’ve been able to purchase barn owl boxes, bird nesting boxes, bat roosting boxes, bird seed, litter picking equipment, river water testing equipment, tools and equipment and first aid kits.
“All of this wouldn’t have been possible with the lottery.”
The lottery, run by South Staffordshire Council, raises funds that stay within the local community, empowering local charities, voluntary groups and community organisations to continue and expand their essential work.
The initiative enables supporters to back the causes they care most about through a simple weekly lottery ticket, with 60p from every £1 ticket going directly to good causes in the district.
And those who enter have the chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday.
Supported by 1,890 players, the lottery has sold 421,082 tickets since its inception and raised £252,649. It has also given out £55,550 in cash prizes.
South Staffordshire Council leader, Councillor Kath Perry MBE, said: “Reaching £250,000 raised is a testament to the generosity of our players and the strength of community spirit here in South Staffordshire.
“Every ticket sold not only offers a chance to win but also supports vital services right here in our own communities.”
For more information about South Staffordshire Community Lottery and to enter, visit: southstaffslottery.co.uk
