OVER £40,000 FOR SCOTTISH CHARITIES IN

25th January 2008

SCOTTISH PUBLIC SHOW SUPPORT FOR SCOTLAND’S OWN CHARITY LOTTERY

In this, its first month since launch, the People’s Postcode Lottery, Scotland’s own charity lottery, announces donations of over £40,000 to Scottish charities.

The three charities to receive benefits from the People’s Postcode Lottery are CHILDREN 1ST, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres who each received a share of £40,940. Every month the three Scottish charities gain from 20% of all money raised from ticket sales. As the People’s Postcode Lottery grows, the percentage of unrestricted funds donated will increase and other charities will be brought onboard.

Annemiek Hoogenboom, Country Manager People’s Postcode Lottery said; “As the only lottery where all funds raised for charity in Scotland, stay in Scotland, it’s fantastic that after just one month we’re already making such significant donations to some of Scotland’s most worthwhile causes. The work of CHILDREN 1ST, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Maggie’s makes a huge difference to the lives and environment of thousands of Scots. We’d like to thank all our Scottish players for their support of Scotland’s own charity lottery.”

The People’s Postcode Lottery, which had its first draw on 4 January 2008, selected each charity in line with its mission to raise funds for Scottish charities in the sectors of children, health and the protection of nature and the environment. Each charity not only benefits directly from the funds but also from the profiles and promotions the Lottery does to raise awareness of the fantastic work of each charity.

The Postcode Lottery concept is already a huge success in The Netherlands and Sweden where over £2.2 billion has been donated to good causes and 4.3 million people play each week.

Simon Milne CEO of Scottish Wildlife Trust said; “Scotland’s first dedicated lottery is starting to make a real difference to Scotland’s wildlife. Every ticket bought is an investment in the future of Scotland’s plants, animals and people. This vital funding is allowing the Scottish Wildlife Trust to continue to protect Scotland’s natural heritage for current and future generations to enjoy.”

Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie’s commented; “The support that Maggie's is receiving from the People’s Postcode Lottery is invaluable. This welcome financial boost is helping Maggie’s in our aim to expand throughout Scotland and take our programme of support to as many people as possible. At Maggie’s, we believe that people affected by cancer should have access to support and information, within a homely and welcoming environment – and everyone signed up to the People’s Postcode Lottery is helping us to fulfil this need.”

Anne Houston, chief executive of CHILDREN 1ST, said; “"Many children are born in Scotland with the odds stacked against them. Their lives are blighted by parental drug or alcohol abuse, they may have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused, or suffered trauma, such as the loss of a parent. Many of the families we work with also struggle to cope with poverty, isolation and lack of wider family support.

"We all have a responsibility to look after children, and the People's Postcode Lottery allows everyone to play their part and help some of Scotland's most vulnerable children."”

The People’s Postcode Lottery is subscription based and players purchase a £2 ticket based on their postcode. Each ticket in the winning postcode receives a share of the £25,000 Street Prize, with a further £5,000 being split between ticket holders in the Postcode Sector. Every ticket is also entered the monthly Postcode Belter. Held at the end of every month, the Postcode Belter is a pot of money which increases in line with the growth of the Lottery - players can win thousands of pounds and a brand new Mini. Back...