People’s Postcode Lottery celebrates £500 million charity milestone
Charity ambassadors have sent their thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, following the news that they have now raised more than half a billion pounds for good causes since the lottery’s launch in 2005.
The money has been used to fund more than 7,500 charities and good causes working for people and planet, ranging from grassroots community groups to national organisations such as Maggie’s, WWF and Dogs Trust.
The naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for the remarkable contribution they make to conservation and other charitable causes, which as of today has totalled £500 million – a truly staggering amount.
“As a vice-president of Fauna & Flora International – one of the many charities that benefit from players’ support – I understand very well just what this support means for our planet’s most threatened species and ecosystems.”
The actress, Dame Emma Thompson, an ambassador for the Helen Bamber Foundation, added: “I really do not know where we would be without the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery - my gratitude to them for their generosity knows no bounds. They have helped the Helen Bamber Foundation achieve more than I can possibly describe.”
In addition to Sir David and Dame Emma, other high profile celebrities including the Hollywood actor George Clooney, the Oscar winner Olivia Colman, and the BAFTA winner Carey Mulligan have also sent their thanks to the millions of players who take part in People’s Postcode Lottery every month.
Maggie’s was one of the first charities to benefit from support from players. It provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends at centres across Britain.
The charity’s chief executive, Laura Lee, said: “For players of People’s Postcode Lottery to have raised £500 million for good causes such as Maggie’s is phenomenal.
“I am so grateful for their continued generosity for over 10 years as it has helped us to provide life changing support for thousands of people living with cancer across Britain, including workshops designed specifically to help people navigate their closest relationships.
“I am sure every organisation that works with People’s Postcode Lottery will join me in saying a massive thank you to each and every player for their crucial role in helping us to make such a difference to people’s lives.”
PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “Since 2013, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have provided incredible support to PDSA, enabling us to deliver vital lifesaving veterinary care.
“Their generosity has enabled our dedicated vets, nurses, staff and volunteers to be there for sick and injured pets across the country when they need us most.”
Clara Govier, managing director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This is a vitally important milestone for charities across Britain and beyond.
“By raising more than £500 million for good causes, our players are making a real difference to people’s lives. This simply couldn’t have been achieved without them.
“So, my message to those millions of players is simple – a heartfelt thank you. People’s Postcode Lottery was created to raise funds for charities and good causes, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to do exactly that.”
For more information about the impact that funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has had on even more charities, visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk.