Community groups in Allerdale are being encouraged to sign-up to a new local lottery which could net them funding.

Allerdale Council has been working with Gatherwell on the Allerdale Lakeland Lottery, which is due to start in December. Tickets will be £1 each, with 50p from each ticket going to charity and a further 10p to other good causes in Allerdale. There will be a chance to win £25,000 a week. An online event to discuss the lottery will be held on October 5 at 4pm.

In November 2019 the council agreed that it would establish a community lottery to help local groups raise funds.

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has delayed the launch, it has also made it even more important that these groups have access to as many funding sources as possible.

Gatherwell has extensive experience of running lotteries and works with councils throughout the country.

The focus of the lottery is very much on helping the good causes. For every ticket bought, supporters can choose to provide 50p towards a charity of their choice which is registered with the scheme. A further 10p goes towards other good causes in Allerdale.

To find out more, the council and Gatherwell is organising an information event which, due to coronavirus, will be held online on October 5 at 4pm. To attend the event, send a name and email address to allerdaleandlakelandlottery@allerdale.gov.uk 

Attending the event does not commit any group to agreeing to sign-up. However, attendees will find out more about how the lottery works and how it can help community groups raise funds.

Alternatively contact the council by email for more information.

Marion Fitzgerald, executive member with responsibility for policy, governance and people resources, said: “I’d encourage anyone who runs a local charity or community group to attend the meeting on 5 October as it is a great way for them to raise funds, and for members of the public to show their support for good causes.

“Of course, there is always the chance that players could come away with a winning ticket. However, this is about responsible gambling, with no instant gratification and with the focus of the lottery very much on helping local groups and charities raise vital income.”