Local charity Hope for a Child is making the move on the back of its ever-popular Big Summer Lottery, which has been running for almost 10 years.
‘This isn’t our first rodeo,’ said Kris Kukula-Carre from Hope for Child.
‘The one we did this summer was our biggest and best ever, so we thought we’d see if there’s appetite for a winter one.’
Tickets for The Big Winter Lottery are now on sale at £20 each. It includes five bonus draws – two more than its summer event – offering a further £10,000 in cash.
There are 44 big prizes available, including a £50,000 cash jackpot, a brand-new Audi, a family skiing holiday and a trip to Lapland, on top of many more luxurious treats and most prizes come with a cash alternative option.
Mr Kukula-Carre said inspiration for prize ideas stemmed from islanders.
The charity does a survey at the end of each event, and asks what they would love to win.
‘We had almost 1,000 responses this year,’ he said.
‘It’s probably the best part – other than phoning the winners – because it’s a chance for people to dream big.’
He wants to thank the local retailers who support the event, including Aladdin’s Cave.
In order to run these substantial lotteries each year, Mr Kukula-Carre said the charity first has to obtain a licence from the Home Affairs committee. It has partnered with a third party, UK licensed company that has built and developed its software, which he said was key to the integrity of the event. It facilitates the sales, ensuring that all the numbers are unique and every ticket is accounted for.
‘The branding and marketing is fully done by us,’ he said.
‘Which I really enjoy doing. For me, personally it’s super rewarding – knowing the difference that it makes, both to the winners, the local charities, as well as further afield in Malawi.’
All profits support children’s initiatives, both locally and for the charity’s work in Malawi – which helps thousands of families access nutritious food, safe water, and education. So far this year, it has also supported Autism Guernsey, Action for Children and Guernsey Arts Commission.
Mr Kukula-Carre said the lottery presents a win-win opportunity for islanders – the chance to change children’s lives, as well as their own or loved ones’.
‘It’s always amazing calling the winners,’ he said. ‘Most people first assume it’s a scam.
‘The top £100k prize this year came at a good time for its winner, who was able to help her daughter buy a house. She’d recently lost her husband and the number she chose was inspired by their anniversary and his birthday. So it was a really lovely, special story – quite emotional. At the same time, it’s great that it’s raising funds for really invaluable work, changing so many children’s lives.’
There will be 30,000 tickets available for The Big Winter Lottery. The draw date is 31 December.
Tickets are available from The Hope Store in town as well as various pop-up stall locations. They can also be bought online at www.winterlottery.gg, where more information and the list of outlets can be found.
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