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The Dunstable Community Lottery has officially marked its first year of operation, celebrating 12 months of raising vital funds for local charities, sports clubs, and non-profit organisations.
To commemorate the milestone, Town Mayor Cllr Richard Attwell joined representatives from numerous local community groups for a first-birthday afternoon celebration, reflecting on the initiative’s ongoing success.
Launched by Dunstable Town Council, the online lottery provides a sustainable, year-round fundraising stream for the local area. For every £1 ticket purchased, 60p goes directly to registered good causes, while giving players the chance to win prizes ranging from £25 up to a £25,000 jackpot. Over its first year, the lottery has thrived, recently crowning its first £2,000 winner and raising a grand total of £8,376 for the community.
To mark the anniversary, the Town Council launched a series of celebratory initiatives throughout May:
- Community Scavenger Hunt: Golden envelopes were hidden across Dunstable, with clues posted on social media. Residents who found the envelopes won “free spins” to play the lottery. This initiative has helped boost new player registrations and was successful at driving engagement with residents and local businesses.
- Good Cause Bonus: Existing good causes that sold at least 125 tickets during May were entered into a draw to win a £200 cash boost from the council’s Central Fund. The prize was won by Dunstable Town Football Club (Dunstable FC).
- Player Raffle: Early supporter Mariam won a £200 One4all gift card in a special birthday raffle.
‘’We’re so pleased to have been drawn as winners of this prize, which has only been made possible due to our fantastic supporters of this cause. I am hopeful that now we are part of a one football club for Dunstable (due to the recent merger with Dunstable Town and AFC Dunstable) we will be able to grow our support further and help not just our football club, but other great causes in the local area.’’ Matt Carrington – Co Chair of Dunstable Town Football Club (Dunstable FC)
"I have supported the community lottery from the very beginning because the Tibbs Dementia Foundation is very close to my heart, and I truly believe in supporting local endeavours. I am incredibly grateful to receive this generous prize." Raffle winner Mariam, who supports the Tibbs Dementia Foundation
"It is a profound honour to step into the role of Town Mayor just as we celebrate this fantastic milestone. Over the past year, the Dunstable Community Lottery has proven to be an invaluable asset, putting vital funds directly into the hands of the voluntary organisations that make our town thrive. My focus this year is on strengthening our community ties and seeing so many dedicated local groups celebrating together is the perfect way to start this journey." Town Mayor of Dunstable, Cllr Richard Attwell
Residents can continue to support local causes by purchasing tickets for the weekly Saturday night draws. To sign up as a player, or to register a local good cause, visit www.dunstablecommunitylottery.co.uk.
