charity – Welovelotto News - 168飞艇

£1M winners leaves mystery gifts at food banks…

Sarah Sarah — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:29:34 +0000

Grant and Taryn Hawkes lives have changed after scooping the Lotto Millionaire Raffle jackpot, revealing they left mystery gifts at food banks during lockdown – and they have never forgotten the help they received and have been giving back to their community.

A kind-hearted couple who were once so poor their friends bought their children shoes have revealed how they have left mystery gifts at food banks during lockdown to show their gratitude. The Hawkes couple, from Newquay, Cornwall, scooped £1m on the Lotto Millionaire Raffle win two years ago. It could not have come at a better time for the struggling couple and their children Holly, 14 and Ethan, 11. Husband Grant, 43, had been diagnosed with a muscle disease and had to give up work as an electrician meaning the family had to get by on 42-year-old Taryn’s meagre wage as a teaching assistant.

She said: “Colleagues were offering us shoes for the children, food parcels and the odd fiver to help us pay bills. It was such a tough time – I remember walking into the supermarket with £5 for the week, wondering how I could buy enough food for the children.” We were even able to treat our son to an Xbox after our win and he couldn’t believe he could keep it and that it was his.

However the couple have never forgotten the help they received and – particularly over the pandemic lockdown – they’ve been giving back to their community. Taryn revealed: “We leave gift cards behind shop counters for other people who are struggling, we’ve given money to food banks, bought a high chair for a local domestic violence charity and we’ve helped friends who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. “We’ve also helped the causes which once supported us in our time of need.”

Following the win, thoughts quickly turned to Grant’s health – and the win enabled him to have private Yoga classes and hydrotherapy, both of which have helped enormously. A change in diet to healthy, home cooked food was also a factor that allowed him to take his first painful steps without crutches three months after the win.

Grant said: “Just not having to worry about money made such a huge difference. “We bought a new car, a VW camper van with plenty of room for surf boards and last October, we went on our first ever foreign holiday – an all-inclusive trip to Majorca which was Taryn and the children’s first time on a plane.”

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EuroMillions £115m jackpot winners give away over half of their fortune…

Sarah Sarah — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 13:14:16 +0000

An amazing couple Frances and Patrick Connolly have given away about £60 million to help others around them to loved ones, charities and those in need during the covid19 pandemic.

Frances and Patrick, who lived in Hartlepool for 25 years, had said that their first priority was a list of around 50 friends and family to share their amazing fortune with following their big win on New Year’s Day 2019. Going against all the usual stereotypical champagne lifestyle that might be expected of huge jackpot winners, the pair have set up two charitable foundations: the Kathleen Graham Trust in Northern Ireland, where they are both from originally, and the PFC Trust in County Durham, where they now live.

The couples good deeds have included buying 1,000 or more presents for patients who will be in hospital on Christmas Day away from loved ones and handing out hundreds of tablets for people who found themselves isolated during the coronavirus lockdown so that they can still keep in touch and not feel so lonely.

Mrs Connolly is originally from Glebe in Co Tyrone and businessman Mr Connolly is from Belfast. The couples family consist of their three daughters and three grandchildren. Describing the past two years, Mrs Connolly said it had been an “absolutely manic whirlwind, and a total, total joyride from start to finish”.

The low-key happy couple, who were living in Moira, Co Down, at the time of their online “lucky dip” win, famously told how they had celebrated with a hug and a cup of tea, and vowed they would not become part of the “jet set” usual lifestyle.

Mrs Connolly said she had wanted to speak out now at the end of 2020 to help draw attention to the good work being done by so many people for charity during the pandemic. She said: “People need to be celebrated. Not me, not by any stretch of the imagination me, but by me talking drawing attention to the fact that, actually, we’re a nation of heroes without capes, up and down the country.”

Now living in a five-bedroom bungalow in County Durham – Set in five acres of land, with a tennis court and swimming pool – Mrs Connolly, 54, said they had turned down options to move to castles, as well as a grand stately homes one of which had 15-bedrooms and came with a village.

They also chose not to fly first class to New Zealand to visit one of their daughters, stating that they could have helped a young couple pay off a bit of their mortgage with the ticket price – instead opting for the comforts of business class.

Mrs Connolly said: “Patrick joked for years that if we ever won the lottery, he’d take away my mobile phone and never let me use the computer again because I’d give away the lot – But I’ve taken real joy from helping other people where we can espcially during such a tragic year for so many people.”

“We’ve no need for supercars, and I’m so proud that our daughters also drive second-hand cars, i would have been happy with a second hand Jaguar, as this is the car i have always wanted but we couldn’t find one so I treated myself to a brand new E-Pace Jaguar. It’s something that does the job, and there’s no need to be flash,” she said.

As well as running both charities, Mrs Connolly, retired from a career in education, helps her husband who owns a number of plastics manufacturing factories. When asked if the 56-year-old was not tempted to retire after the win, Mrs Connolly said: “He wants to keep people working. We’re too young to pack it in yet.”

On their list of family and friends to help were their daughters, Mrs Connolly’s three sisters and two brothers, and Mr Connolly’s three sisters. They also gave all their nieces and nephews money to buy their own homes.

Away from looking after relatives, the couple both flew into action when the pandemic rose to its peak, helping with much-needed supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). During this time Mrs Connolly bought new machines for a sewing group in Northern Ireland when she heard they were making PPE for health workers on the Covid-19 frontline.

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Winners – Spreading seasonal joy & thanks for deserving carers…

Sarah Sarah — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:42:21 +0000

A couple from Crewe, England who won £6million back in 2016 on the National Lottery, put their thinking caps on with fellow jackpot winners to bring some early Christmas cheer to deserving carers during what has been a challenging 2020.

Wanting to show their appreciation for the ‘selfless’ actions of hard-working carers in the area; Michele and Kevin formed a Christmas hamper group with other Lottery winners from the comfort of their own homes due to current coronavirus restrictions to create more than 100 luxury hampers to show seasonal thanks. Packed with a range of goodies for carers from Age Concern Central Lancashire as a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for all of the carers’ tireless work throughout the COVID pandemic.

Michele said: “All the efforts and lengths these carers go to, so selflessly and the sacrifices they make every single day, to provide care and love, is incredible. I was absolutely thrilled to be involved in such a heart-warming project to say ‘thank you’ and show our appreciation for all they do”.

“I absolutely love Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed crafting the hampers. Everyone all needs a bit of festive cheer at the moment so it was fantastic to be able to help make Christmas arrive early!”

The winners, who under normal circumstances would normally be brought together by The National Lottery in the run-up to Christmas to help support various charities, adapted their thinking this year by creating a Whatsapp group so they could work from their own homes but share ideas and creations with each other as they made their hampers; Also joining the festive hamper making were some of the biggest region lottery winners, including Patricia and John Gill, from Warrington, who won £1M in 2015 and Sharon and Nigel Mather, from Bowdon in Cheshire, who won an amazing £12M in 2010.

The hampers, after being quarantined appropriately to ensure all required guidelines were adhered to, were delivered to Age Concern Central Lancashire’s Dementia Day Support Centres in Bamber Bridge and Fulwood Preston, aboard a fabulous festive truck.

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National Lottery gives £3.7million to domestic violence victims

Dina Simons — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:04:44 +0000

Grants given by the National Lottery will help out hundreds of domestic violence victims who have struggled through hard times.

Over £3.7m in grant money from the National Lottery Community Fund has been shared between 116 charity and community projects across Northern Ireland. The funds will tackle issues affecting communities across Northern Ireland such as domestic violence and isolation.

Furthermore, children, who are forced to flee homes because of domestic violence, are among those who will benefit.

A few charities who have received a grant include:

Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid – £9,600 to provide “buddy back packs” for children.
Fermanagh Women’s Aid – £500,000 to help abuse victims get back on their feet.
Mid Ulster Women’s Aid – £8,000 grant to refurbish their facility.
Fermanagh Women’s Aid – £498,237 grant to fund its Safety and Wellbeing Support project over the next four years.

The grant allowed children to feel at home as soon as possible

Noelle Collins, from Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, said:

“When children come to the refuge it is new and scary for them, and it’s really important that they start to feel like it’s home as soon as possible,”

She also though the ‘buddy back pack’ was a brilliant idea since it gave the children something that was theirs after most of them had to leave their belongings behind.

“We try and include things that will help them settle in, such as comfy PJs and some cuddly toys and a tooth brush.

“They can also use the bag as a school bag.”

Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid fill up 106 beds in their three refuges every night.

The money will provide safety and wellbeing support to victims

In 2018/19, over 400 children and 600 women stayed in Women’s Aid refuges across Northern Ireland.

All 116 grants range widely in value. The largest sum of £500,000 given to the Children’s Law Centre. The smallest award of £1,920 was given to the Whitecity Community Development Association in Belfast.

The list of recipients is huge, including youth clubs; senior citizens’ organisations; community groups; sports grounds; interface projects; GAA clubs; Orange Halls and an Irish language group.

Additionally, some organisations run projects that aim to improve mental health, tackle loneliness and reduce social isolation.

They have even been able to provide surf therapy!

Furthermore, £200,000 has been allocated to the Wave Project. This is a UK-wide organisation which provides “surf therapy” for children and young people who are vulnerable, isolated or struggling with mental health issues.

Over the next four years, a total of 240 young people will learn to surf off the coast of Portrush. They will also be given the chance to become surf mentors.

Kate Beggs from the National Lottery Community Fund also said:

“Whether it’s small pots of funding or larger grants, people are being brought together to make good things happen and change lives.”

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Lottery funding gives York charity £40k

Dina Simons — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 09:18:46 +0000

Charities in York have received £40,000 per year in donations from the National Lottery.

Many more people in York will be able to receive vital support and help after a local charity received lottery funding.

York Neighbours provides practical help and support to people aged over 65. The charity has received £40,000 a year for the next three years allowing it to expand its services.

The charity now hopes to reach more people all over the city. Furthermore, it is also inviting more people to sign up as volunteers to help meet the growing demand.

The charity provides three forms of support. Firstly, they help with one-off practical jobs in the home. They complete regular phone calls to help combat isolation. Finally, they create invitations to group events or outings with fellow Neighbours.

The charity was launched as Belfrey Neighbours, through St Michael le Belfrey Church in 2012. The charity became York Neighbours as city-wide demand increased later on.

The funding is from the National Lottery Community Fund which supports projects that enable their community to thrive.

What do the people involved have to say?

Helen Aitchison, the coordinator of York Neighbours, said…

‘We now have increased capacity to support many more people, and to reach out to those needing a little extra help.’

Liz Edge, one of the charity’s Neighbours, said…

‘York Neighbours have proven to be ideal, whether for everyday help or recommending more complex contacts for other areas of help.’

She expands further by saying: ‘I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone needing help, whether trivial or more complex.’

Tessa Denbeigh, a volunteer with the charity, says…

“I have done a variety of jobs helping with social outings, and moving small items of furniture. As a retired social worker, I also help with registering new Neighbours which involves meeting some amazing people as well as enabling me to use my past experience and skills.’

Because of this donation, many people over 65 will create new friends and memories.

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Lottery Changes For Charities Promoted By Simon Cowell

Dina Simons — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 18:12:02 +0000

Simon Cowell has made a plea to change lottery rules and asks the Government to step in to save endangered charities that help the most vulnerable.

Lottery changes have been suggested by X Factor judge Simon Cowell. He called for rules to be changed to boost society lottery jackpots to £1million so more can be handed to good causes. Simon said: “It’s only a win-win. There’s no argument to not do it.”

He spoke out after meeting the head of a charity. This has been able to provide a lifeline to the elderly after receiving nearly £81,000 from The Health Lottery. Ima Miah, 40, told Simon that she will no longer be able to provide the service to help isolated pensioners if the money dries up.

Simon, 59, said: “After hearing what Ima has to say you just go, ‘Why would you stop that?’ You can’t make a logical argument against it. It’s just crazy.”

Last night Simon invited Ima to his home in Holland Park, west London, where she explained the crisis facing charities. It comes as charities are backing society lotteries in lobbying the Government to give them a fair chance when National Lottery operator Camelot can offer players much bigger prizes.

“Stupid, pathetic rules” are unfairly holding the society lottery back

The UK has almost 500 licensed society lotteries. They raised a staggering £255.6million for good causes in 2017 – an increase of more than 20 percent on the previous year. However, prizes are capped causing a top prize to be no higher than 10 percent of ticket sales.

Simon met Ima when they were guests at a tea party to celebrate The Health Lottery raising more than £100 million for good causes last October. She is the chief executive of the Asian Resource Centre, a community initiative in south London which has received funding for two projects since 2015. The charity helps older Asians to feel less isolated and more connected with their community. It has helped members in the Croydon area to form new friendships through activities including dance classes, yoga, and Tai Chi, as well as coffee mornings.

What do the charities do?

Ima said: “The project has such an impact on so many people’s lives. Social isolation is a killer. If it wasn’t for The Health Lottery we wouldn’t exist. That’s what worries me as our funding is coming to an end very soon.”

The Health Lottery, founded by former Express owner Richard Desmond, has supported half a million people through 2,800 projects since its launch in October 2011.

Organisations running society lotteries include the Air Ambulance Service, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and Save the Children.

Lotteries also help people with diabetes, asthma and the visually impaired.

Martin Ellice is the group managing director of The Health Lottery. She said that there were “Charities are in danger of closing without further funding. The Government right now are in consultation. We urge the Government to say yes to the £1million jackpot and implement quickly.”

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Lottery Winnings Used To Set Up Charity

Dina Simons — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 13:47:19 +0000

After winning the lottery, most people would buy a fancy sports car or take a few holidays. Very few people would use all the winnings to set up a charity but that is what a Canadian woman did.

Lottery Winnings Used To Do Good!

Rachel Lapierre, a former Miss Quebec, set up a charity with her lottery winnings back in 2013.

The Canadian always loved volunteering, and after running her own modelling agency and working as a nurse, she was looking for a way to follow her idol, Mother Theresa, and dedicate her life to charity.

Then fate came knocking when she won a lifetime salary of C$1,000 (£605) a week in the Quebecois lottery “Gagnant à vie”, or “winner for life”.

At first I couldn’t believe it, but I didn’t celebrate or shout it from the rooftop because I had made a promise to the universe and I was determined to keep it.

“I wanted to do something I loved for the rest of my life. I wanted to help others,” she says.

It took Ms Lapierre only two months to quit her nursing job and launch her own charity, Le Book Humanitaire.

Her non-profit organisation, which is located in Saint-Jerome, about 60km north-west of Montreal, uses social media to connect those in need with people who can help.

On its Facebook page, which has 22,000 followers, those who are struggling can let the community know about their plight.

At the same time, members of the public can advertise services or goods they want to donate.

“Let’s say that you have clothes to give away. We will put you in contact with a family that needs those clothes and will allow you to go give them yourself,” Ms Lapierre explains.

“It’s not only about material things. You might end up driving a cancer patient to a doctor’s appointment.”

Her modelling career inspired her to set up her own modelling school in 1984, to teach young women how to build careers in the industry. It had about 10 staff.

“Running my own business taught me about accounting and how to manage employees,” Ms Lapierre says.

She closed the business in the late 1980s to focus on bringing up her four children but also dedicated herself to voluntary work – making numerous trips with humanitarian organisations to places like India and Haiti.

It was this passion that led her to set up Le Book Humanitaire four years ago.

This year, the charity has made 15,000 “direct actions” in Quebec, ranging from furnishing an apartment for a family of Syrian refugees, to finding a home for a homeless mother who had just given birth.

She has also funded the organisation – which has 10 full-time volunteers and its own board – entirely by herself, investing $70,000 to date.

“This weekly C$1,000 I get from the lottery allows me to not go to work anymore and finance my organisation,” she says.

“I pay for things such as our office rent and other administrative costs.”

There are limits to Ms Lapierre’s budget, though. After she was interviewed by a popular Quebecois television station earlier this year, Le Book Humanitaire saw a huge increase in its Facebook followers, from around 4,000 to more than 20,000.

It led to an influx of requests for help, as well as donations, and the charity has struggled to keep up.

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