The Wiltshire Community Lottery is helping to make a difference to local good causes, with one Calne-based group embracing the scheme as a new way to raise much-needed funding.

The first Wiltshire Community Lottery draw took place in June and, so far, more than 170 local good causes have signed up. The lottery offers local clubs, charities and community groups a simple and effective way to raise money through a weekly online draw.

Calne Men’s Shed, which is not just for men, has been involved from the very beginning and set itself a target of raising £1,300. Based on ticket sales during the first few months, the charity has already exceeded that target and is currently on track to raise £1,612 in the first year.

Calne Men’s Shed is a local charity that provides a safe, welcoming place for its members, helping to combat isolation while creating and maintaining items for the local community.

Jeff Rawlings, Secretary of Calne Men’s Shed, said: “We decided to join the Wiltshire Community Lottery as a means of raising funds for our charity. The initial set up process was simple and straight forward and the lottery team provides you with promotional material and support.

“We already have a number of supporters, and it is hoped that we can increase this in the months ahead. I continue to promote the lottery to our members letting them know we have had winners in nearly every draw.

“The funds we receive each month from the lottery help our Shed by going towards the costs of things such as materials and maintenance.

“I would encourage any good causes in Wiltshire to sign up. It’s a great, fun way to raise funds.”

Cllr Mel Jacob, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “I am delighted to hear that the Wiltshire Community Lottery is already making a positive difference for Calne Men’s Shed.

“We hope their success in selling tickets and raising money will inspire other groups to get involved. With just a few clicks, groups can sign up to take part and, as participation is free, it really is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Thank you to everyone across Wiltshire who has bought tickets so far. With 50p from every £1 ticket going directly to a local good cause, and a further 10p supporting a central fund that will be reinvested into community projects, every ticket sold is helping groups, charities and organisations continue the fantastic work they do across the county.”

For every £1 lottery ticket bought, 50p goes directly to the player’s chosen good cause, with a further 10p going to a central fund, which Wiltshire Council will reinvest into local good causes. People can buy up to 20 tickets per week for a chance to win prizes of up to £25,000.

Current projections suggest the scheme could generate an additional £84,000 this year for the organisations that have registered to take part so far.

Lottery tickets are now on sale for the next draw on Saturday 29 August. Tickets cost £1 each, and players can choose exactly which local cause they want their money to support.

Wiltshire Council launched the community lottery to help local organisations secure vital funding and continue the valuable work they do in communities across the county. A wide range of organisations have already signed up, including grassroots sports teams, village hall committees, lunch clubs, advice groups, youth clubs and Men’s Sheds.

Local clubs, groups, charities and organisations interested in raising money through the lottery can find out more about the eligibility criteria and register by visiting the Wiltshire Community Lottery website at www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk. Tickets can be purchased via the Wiltshire Community Lottery website or by calling 03000 168 861.

More information about Calne Men’s Shed can be found at https://calnemensshed.org/.

The council has partnered with Gatherwell, a licensed and regulated External Lottery Manager that already delivers community lotteries for more than 150 local authorities across the country. Local good causes can sign up now and begin their fundraising journey through the Wiltshire Community Lottery.

The Wiltshire Community Lottery fully complies with the Gambling Act 2005. Support is available for anyone affected by gambling-related harm via the Wiltshire Community Lottery website. Information on support services, training opportunities and resources relating to gambling harm is also available on the Wiltshire Council website at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/13149/Gambling-harm.