Legion is first charity to back new Robin Hood Lottery

Rick Richardson (left), the Royal British Legion president for the Mansfield district, with Executive Mayor Kate Allsop and the Legion's Poppy Appeal organiser for the Mansfield branch, Mick Beresford.

The Mansfield branch of the Legion is the first good cause to register an interest in becoming a beneficiary of the local lottery.

And now it is urging other charities, voluntary groups and grassroots organisations in the area to sign up too.

“We were keen to support the lottery not only for the benefits it can bring to us as a charity and the work we do, but also for the wider benefits it will bring to Mansfield district as a whole,” said Rick Richardson, president of the Legion’s Mansfield branch.

“We would encourage other local good causes to sign up. All you need to do is commit to spreading the word about your own lottery page and to reach a minimum of 20 ticket sales each week.”

Mr Richardson and the branch’s Poppy Appeal organiser, Mick Beresford, joined the town’s Executive Mayor, Kate Allsopp, in agreeing to back the lottery, which will be launched at a special event at the Civic Quarter, Mansfield Civic Centre next Tuesday lunchtime (1 pm to 2 pm).

Local groups are invited to go along to find out how the lottery will be able to help them raise funds for their work. Wood-fired pizza will be served for lunch, and goody-bags will be handed out.

Executive Mayor Allsop said: “I am very pleased that a number of local charities and groups have shown an interest, and I am grateful to the Legion for helping us to promote the lottery.

“This is all about how charities and the voluntary sector can raise funds, which are then used to support our communities and help them thrive.”

Tickets, costing £1, for the Robin Hood Lottery will go on sale from Tuesday, March 27, with 60p from every £1 going towards local good causes. The remaining 40p will be used to cover prizes and running costs.

Players can decide which local good cause they want to support, or they can ask that their money goes towards a general good causes fund, which will then be distributed by the council.

Draws will take place every week, offering a jackpot of £25,000 if six numbers are matched, plus other prizes of £2,000, £250, £25 and three free tickets. The lottery is open to anyone aged over 16.