Published on 6 September 2023
It's often said that charity begins at home - and for one Moorlands resident his support for a good cause certainly did when he won an iPad in the new Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery.
The exciting fundraising initiative, launched by the District Council, is already benefiting community groups and organisations across the Moorlands since it launched in July.
Over 50 groups and organisations - ranging from nursery and pre-school groups to community choirs, foodbanks and children's and baby libraries, art groups and local charities - have signed up.
Amongst them is Waterhouses Allotment Association and long-standing allotment holder - and lottery supporter - Dave Scholes won the iPad special prize that was offered for the very first draw.
Dave, who was presented with his prize at the allotments, said: "I'm delighted to have won the iPad - it was a surprise but a very good one! As an allotment holder I, of course, chose the association as my good cause but I think it's great that the Council has set this lottery up so that many more groups can get help with their fundraising."
Participating community groups and organisations keep 50% of the money raised from each ticket they sell. A further 10% from each ticket sold will go to a central fund that will support more good causes with the remainder being put towards prizes and operating costs.
Rob Everiss, Association Chair, said: "We are all delighted that Dave has won this fantastic prize - no-one deserves the iPad more.
"Waterhouse Allotment Association was only established in January this year and has 20 or so members. We have several innovative projects under development, such as a rainwater harvesting system, which need funding.
"The small but regular income that the Community Lottery will provide to small community groups like ours will be invaluable."
Councillor Bill Cawley, Cabinet member for Communities, who presented Dave with his iPad, said: "We launched the community lottery to support the good causes across the Moorlands that do so much valuable work and we're delighted that over 50 are already benefitting from ticket sales.
"It's great to see so many local people, like Dave, getting behind these organisations and groups by buying tickets - and perhaps winning a prize themselves.
"I was delighted to present Dave with the iPad he won during the first draw. The lottery has been running for six weeks and there are cash prizes to be won every week so, if you're able to buy a £1 ticket, you could be a winner too! Good luck everyone."
Tickets for the weekly prize draw cost £1 and players are in with a chance of winning the jackpot of £25,000. Prizes of £2,000, £250 and £25 are also available.
You can see which good causes are already on board, and buy your tickets, on the community lottery website.
Any eligible not-for-profit group or organisation in the District such as charities, sports clubs, arts groups, schools and PTAs and social enterprises can sign up.
Groups and organisations yet to register can contact Victoria.Ellis@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk for help and advice.
