Lotto Abertawe - the community lottery for Swansea - has been launched

Set up to support local good causes, Lotto Abertawe has been brought to life by Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS), with support from Swansea Council. Lotto Abertawe runs on the principle of raising money within the community for the community, empowering local good causes to raise money in a fun and effective way.

In a time of shrinking budgets and increased community need, Lotto Abertawe enables people to support the causes they care most about, helping good causes to connect with their supporters.

A ticket for Lotto Abertawe costs £1 a week, with 60p going directly to good causes and each week there are cash prizes of up to £25,000 to be won.

Since opening registration for good causes on the 16^th of July, more than 50 local groups have already signed up and are raising funds through the site. When people sign up to play, they can choose which group their ticket supports, or choose to support the Central Fund, which will be create a grant fund to be distributed locally.

SCVS Director Amanda Carr said "We decided to develop the lottery as another way that voluntary and community organisations in Swansea can raise much needed funds for their cause.

There are hundreds of voluntary and community organisations in the area making Swansea a better place for all of us to live, but they do need ongoing income to cope with rising demands on their services. The lottery is a win-win for all those involved - groups benefit from long term unrestricted income; players know they are supporting groups in their area - and they have the Saturday night draw to look forward to as well of course!

We've been spreading the word to encourage groups to sign up, but if they haven't yet, they can visit the site to do so and start raising funds in as little as a week."

Cllr Alyson Anthony, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Support, welcomed the new initiative.

She said: "If you can, please do take part. The lottery's been set up by the people of Swansea for the people of Swansea so that Swansea good causes can directly benefit.

"The prizes are great, but even on those occasions when you don't win, you know your contribution means that local groups and organisations always win."

Whilst the first draw took place on Saturday 27^th July (weekly from now on), at the end of August there will be a special Super Draw with an additional 30 local prizes up for grabs, including a Galaxy Tab, rounds of Golf, tickets to see Mal Pope's Golden Jubilee performance at Swansea Arena, surfing or skateboarding lessons and much more.

Lotto Abertawe - Support Local Good Causes - Win prizes!

Visit: www.lottoabertawe.co.uk to play, sign up your cause or find out more.