Players of the Federation lottery have supported charities, voluntary organisations, sports clubs, and community groups to the tune of more than £21,000 this year.
Grants totalling £21,162.00 have been allocated to good causes nominated by you, our members. The money represents half the sum generated by the Federation lottery, with the other half being distributed as prizes to lottery winners.
Grants like these make a massive difference to the often small, grassroots organisations that receive them. All sorts of charities, groups, individuals and good causes received financial support this year, including:
Several police charities, such as the Police Remembrance Trust and Scottish Police Memorial Trust
Health charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer Scotland
The National Association of Retired BTP Officers (North and South groups) and the BTP History Group
A number of children and young people’s football teams, sports clubs and individuals taking part in sporting competitions, including gymnastics and golf
Several members who took part in marathons and cycle rides for charity
Honouring fallen officers
Having received a grant towards the upkeep of the police memorial at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, wrote: “We are constantly researching and discovering the names of officers who have died on duty in Scotland but have previously been forgotten, a number of whom belong to BTP or its legacy forces. It is very rewarding when their names are added to the memorial wall, and we know they will be remembered henceforth.”
Sporting endeavours
BTP officer, Ricky, recently applied for a grant towards the cost of equipment for his son’s football team, Fairlands Youth Football Under 12's Reds, in Hertfordshire. Ricky told us: “They were handed new training tops last week before their game and I've never seen so many happy faces!”
Connor Towes successfully applied for a grant toward the costs of playing for the England Police football team (photographed below). The team won their first game 4-1 against the England Fire Service, and there are some more great photos on the Police Sport UK website.
Charitable challenges
Steve Ajay (pictured below) was one of several BTP colleagues who set themselves a physical challenge to raise money for charity. Earlier this year, Steve took part in the London Marathon on behalf of a medical research organisation and requested a Lottery grant to boost his total. He said: “Thank you to all of you who were cheering and supporting me from afar, and for your generosity to Alzheimer's Research UK! We did it, together!”
The BTP Federation Lottery is a monthly draw costing from £1 to £5 per week. There are five prizes given: a first prize of £1,000, a second prize of £500, and three prizes of £50.00.
Participation is open to all serving members (via payroll deduction) and retired members (via Direct Debit). Prize draws are held monthly, with two draws in December, and the winning numbers are published regularly. Find out more here.
If you would like to nominate a club, charity or good cause to receive a lottery grant, please contact us at info@btpfed.co.uk