Forest Lottery raises over £46,000 for local causes in 2021
The Forest Lottery continues to go from strength to strength, with over seventy local causes now involved and in excess of £46,000 raised for causes in the Forest of Dean in 2021.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Richard Leppington said:
“The continued success of the Forest Lottery is a huge achievement for the whole Forest of Dean community and the results that have been achieved in the past 12 months show just how much residents want to support causes that directly benefit people in their area.
“Having started the Forest Lottery in 2019 it’s especially pleasing to see the number of local causes choosing to join continue to increase and we hope to have even more on board in 2022.
“I’d like to thank everyone who currently participates and would encourage all that are interested to sign up and get involved. Let's make 2022 an even bigger year for the Forest Lottery.”
The Forest Lottery is a weekly lottery that was initially started in 2019 by Forest of Dean District Council, allowing players to support community projects and causes that are local to them.
Within the past twelve months the number of tickets purchased for the Forest Lottery has risen by almost 50%, with player numbers also increasing by around a third. As player numbers have increased, so has the money raised for the community and the causes that are dear to so many.
Forest of Dean Dog Rescue is one such cause that has benefitted, with over £2000 raised through the Forest Lottery last year alone. Maggie Marshall, Treasurer at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue said:
“The Forest Lottery is a safe and easy way for us to continue to fundraise, despite the challenges faced during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. It gives our supporters a chance of winning a significant prize, as well as helping us to continue the work we provide to the community.
“Fundraising is our main source of income here at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue and the money raised through Forest Lottery tickets helps us to pay for food and vet care for animals, as well as providing the players themselves with a bit of fun.”
As well as supporting local causes, players have the chance to win up to £25,000 every week. In the past 12 months there have been over 140 cash prize winners, totalling £14,250, including a £2000 prize for Scott Baine who donated his winnings to his chosen cause, The Rewild Project. Regarding his prize win, Scott said:
“It’s incredible to have won and I’m so happy to have been able to put this money back into The Rewild Project. The Forest Lottery is an easy and great way to give back to the community and the money has been, and will continue to be invaluable in helping The Rewild Project offer more open access sessions, free for anyone in the Forest of Dean.”
Tickets for the Forest Lottery cost £1 to enter and 60% of every ticket goes directly back to causes in the district. To sign-up and get involved, click the link below: