​More cash made available for good causes

An extra £1.5 million has been made available by the People’s Postcode Lottery, a major charity funder.

Its Impact Award for 2015 will give an extra £25,000 to a number of charities, supported by its players.

Charities, such as Depaul UK, Whizz-Kids and Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, will receive the extra cash this on top of the grants they already receive from the funder.

So far players of the society lottery have helped raise £82.9m for charities and good causes in Britain and beyond.

The purchase of every £2 ticket sees 55p going directly to supporting hundreds of these causes.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It is fantastic news that players are able to support these wonderful charities with an extra £25,000 each, with an amazing £1.5m being awarded overall.

We are very proud that our players can continue to support the development of these fantastic causes - Clara Govier

“We are very proud that our players can continue to support the development of these fantastic causes.”

In January 2015 People’s Postcode Lottery and its sister lotteries in the Netherlands and Sweden were collectively announced as the third largest charitable private donor in the world with over £470.3m being awarded to charities in 2014.

Martin Houghton-Brown, chief executive at Depaul UK, commented: "At a time when charities need to show the difference we make, now more so than ever, Depaul is thrilled and grateful for the Impact Award from players of People's Postcode Lottery.

“Thanks to the players' generous support, Depaul will be able to better tell the stories of young people who have experienced homelessness and whose lives have been transformed by Depaul."