Love Blaby Lottery celebrates first year

Supporting good causes across the District of Blaby and raising nearly £30,000, the Love Blaby Lottery, set up by Blaby District Council, is celebrating its first anniversary.

In its first year, 45 good causes have signed up, including Leicester & Leicestershire Animal Aid, Countesthorpe Judo Club and Whetstone Good Neighbour Scheme. The draw takes place every Saturday night with a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize, including a weekly jackpot of £25,000.

Tickets cost £1 a week with 60p from each ticket going directly to good causes that serve the district. 860 prizes have been won since the first draw back in February 2018, including over £6000 in cash prizes. James entered to raise money for Braunstone Swimming Club and won £2000. He said: “The money was put into mine and my wife’s savings for a house, bringing forward our plans by a couple of months.

“Since winning, and speaking to a few people about it I have been recommending they do it too. It’s a cheap lottery, and goes directly to a local cause.”

The money from each ticket helps important good causes across the district, including the volunteer-led Sapcote Community Library. Through their involvement with the lottery the library is on track to raise £650 in the first year. Vic Howell, Trustee at the library, said: “All proceeds from the lottery go towards the upkeep of the library and without this funding we would struggle to keep the library operational.”

Community Action Partnership joined the lottery to raise money to support their social car scheme in the district. Chief Officer Suzy Bresnihan said: “The lottery has had a significant impact on our charity. We have spent the funds on raising awareness of our service and recruiting volunteers in Blaby district meaning we can offer more transport help, especially to residents who live in our more rural communities.”

Councillor Les Phillimore, Community Champion for the Love Blaby Lottery, said: “It’s been an incredible first year for our lottery! The funds that have been raised are having a real impact on the ground for local charities, community groups and sports clubs in the district. We’re so grateful to all the supporters who have got behind this initiative.”

To play the lottery, renew your tickets or find out about registering a good cause, visit www.blabylottery.co.uk or call 0116 3800775. Players must be 16+ years of age. Please gamble responsibly.