Harrow Wins, the borough’s community lottery, is celebrating a huge milestone this month, having raised £64,675 for community groups and charities throughout Harrow.
In celebration, there’s a special prize draw taking place this month. Anyone who plays Harrow Wins in May will be entered into a draw to win a £250 voucher donated by B&M. Lottery tickets cost just £1 each, with 60p from every ticket going to good causes in Harrow. Players also have a chance to win a weekly top prize of £25,000!
The lottery was started back in 2019 by the Council and Harrow Giving and is now celebrating its fifth year. It has expanded to support 77 charities and community organisations. Many groups have used the funds from Harrow Wins to enhance their existing services and compensate for deficits in other funding sources.
Marilyn Norman, from Mind in Harrow, said: “We are Harrow’s only mental health helpline and information service, helping thousands of people every year. We don’t take anything for granted, we’re grateful for every bit of money raised if it helps us to continue our work to change lives and fight stigma!”
Other groups have used the funds to run community activities. Duncan Wakeling from 13th Roxeth Scout Group said: “We have been involved with the Harrow lottery for a while now and the income generated for little effort by us is amazing. We have used the funds raised to support many of our activities, including sailing and camping.”
Cllr Jean Lammiman, Cabinet member for Community and Culture said: “It can be hard to raise ‘core’ funds for community groups like these – sometimes the essential yet less exciting costs underpin all the work that groups do.
“I’m delighted the fundraising is helping volunteers make a difference to people’s lives. I encourage as many local groups to join and make use of this great platform to fund
activities and continue vital work in the community.”
With 77 groups currently registered, there’s an opportunity for more local causes to get involved with this free initiative, particularly school PTAs, Scouts and Guide groups.
