Local lottery to fund key Blackpool projects

A community lottery is being launched in Blackpool which it is hoped will raise vital funds for projects in one of the most deprived parts of the town.
By Shelagh Parkinson
Published 29th Jul 2020, 12:30 BST
The Magic Club is one of the schemes in Claremont which will receive funding from the local lotteryThe Magic Club is one of the schemes in Claremont which will receive funding from the local lottery
The Magic Club is one of the schemes in Claremont which will receive funding from the local lottery

The scheme will give participants chance to win cash prizes up to a jackpot of £25,000 while supporting four charities in Claremont from ticket sales.

The community organisations set to benefit initially are the Magic Club, Claremont Park Community Centre, STAR Group and Claremont First Step

Community Centre.

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As ticket sales grow, there will be chance for other organisations to be added to the scheme run by Unity Lottery, a specialist in charity lotteries.

Laura White, chief executive officer of the Magic Club, said: “We have some amazing organisations working in Claremont, who are making an incredible

difference to people’s lives.

“Collectively, our work is needed more than ever, but with less funding opportunities and more people requiring our services, we always need to look for new ways of bringing in funds.

“The Claremont Community Lottery allows people to support us in a different way, whilst being in with the chance of winning £25,000.”

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At least half the revenue from ticket sales will go towards the good causes, with 18.4 per cent going towards the prize pot and the remaining 31.6 per cent paying for administration costs.

Claremont ward councillor and Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams is among those backing the lottery scheme.

She said: “People want to support local organisations and this is a really easy and effective way to do just that.”

Entries are capped at 20 per month, per player to address gambling concerns.

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In the last set of government deprivation rankings, published in 2019, Claremont was ranked among the one per cent of most deprived areas in England.

But a number of initiatives are working towards improving residents’ lives.

The Magic Club opened as a youth club in 2018 after a £91,000 refurbishment of premises at the back of Sherbourne Road, formerly used as a magicians club.

Claremont First Step Community Centre on Dickson Road provides activities and support for residents of all ages as does the Claremont Park Community Centre, while the STAR group is a mental health support group.

Lotter tickets cost £1 and to take part. go to https://www.unitylottery.co.uk/causes/claremont-community-lottery/

Related topics:BlackpoolBlackpool Council

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