Trustees of the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust are delighted that the Lifeboat Lotto has now raised over £500,000 for Southport Lifeboat since their partnership began in 2010.
This fantastic milestone was passed in July and represents the incredible commitment of the lotto players to ensure their local lifeboat stays afloat.
Steve Hoyle who runs LifeboatLotto said: “Southport Lifeboat Lotto are absolutely delighted to have raised half a million pounds for such a worthy local charity.
“It is thanks to the people of Southport and surrounding areas for their continued support, particularly in these troubled times.”
As an organisation independent of the RNLI, the Lifeboat Lotto scheme has provided an invaluable source of funding for Southport Lifeboat over the past decade. During that period, LifeboatLotto has helped pay for the refit of Southport Lifeboat, three new pairs of outboard engines and two new sets of ATV Quad bikes.
In addition to this, it has also contributed massively towards covering station running costs of over £60,000 per year.
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Steve said: “Having steadily grown since it began in 2010, the lotto has not only established a strong group of supporters but has also generated 27 jackpot winners, each winning between one and five thousand pounds.
“There have been over 400 winners of the weekly guaranteed £100 prize as well as many more winners of the £25 consolation prize.
“We hope that the people of Southport will continue to support the Lotto so it may continue to grow and provide the much-needed income that Southport Offshore Rescue Trust needs to maintain their essential service.”
Since starting with Southport in 2010, Lifeboat Lotto has since expanded and now works with six other Independent Lifeboat organisations around the UK.
John Shawcroft, a Trustee Director of the Southport Lifeboat said: “When LifeboatLotto started we had no idea how successful it was going to be. Thankfully, it has been a great success and provided a valuable and steady source of income for us.
“Our crew go out in all conditions to those who need help in our area. In the past they also had to spend many of their weekends shaking tins in local supermarkets just to raise enough money to keep the service alive.
“Thanks to LifeboatLotto, the crew don’t have that added pressure of fundraising every weekend and can spend more time practicing their skills whilst the Trust can provide them with better equipment to use.
“Of course, none of it would be possible without the generosity of all of the players who have continued to play through thick and thin. We thank each and every player, past and present, for your support and we look forward to the next ten years of LifeboatLotto.”
In 2019 the Southport Lifeboat and LifeboatLotto formed a partnership with CharityZap, a free app that keeps people up to date with the latest news and Lotto results. It can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple App Store, no subscription required. Details on game rules and how to join LifeboatLotto can be found at our website: www.southport-lifeboat.co.uk
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