Allwyn and Co-op celebrate £3bn raised for National Lottery good causes with new campaign

Allwyn and Co-op have joined forces to launch a marketing campaign to celebrate raising £3bn for community projects through National Lottery sales in Co-op stores since 1994.

It aims to highlight the impact that National Lottery funding can have on strengthening communities and improving wellbeing.

The nationwide ‘Because Of You – £3 Billion’ campaign will run from 12 August to 1 September and feature in Co-op stores across the UK, using a variety of multimedia activations and retail assets.

This includes bespoke PlayStation messaging, front-of-store digital displays, floor vinyls, in-store radio, targeted member communications and social media advertising. 

Five stores across the UK will receive enhanced campaign branding and activations that showcase a specific National Lottery-funded project from the local area.

These featured organisations, which also received funding and support from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, include Teens Unite Fighting Cancer in Hertfordshire, Stretford Children’s Theatre in Greater Manchester, which helps children and young people build confidence through the arts, and The Inverclyde Shed in Scotland, which tackles loneliness and social isolation through community-led activities.

The other two are Footprints Women’s Centre in Belfast, which has supported women and families in its community for decades, and The Swansea Wellbeing Centre in Wales, which provides accessible wellbeing services.

Together, these projects have received more than £1.7m in National Lottery funding.

A celebration also took place at Co-op’s Manchester headquarters on 19 August. The event featured the presentation of a commemorative ‘£3 Billion Thank You’ plaque by colleagues from Allwyn and Co-op, and was attended by representatives from Guide Dogs UK, which has received more than £1.5m in National Lottery funding since 2014.

“Whether you pop to Co-op for a pint of milk, lunchtime meal deal or dinner, many people also enjoy playing the lottery,” said Co-op retail director Kate McCrae.

“Every ticket bought has helped to make a difference, and this amazing sum raised via Co-op since the Lottery first began more than 30 years ago has helped to fund causes that support stronger communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all ages in towns, villages and cities across the UK.”

Bridget Lea, MD for retail at Allwyn, added: ”Reaching £3bn raised for National Lottery good causes through Co-op stores is a remarkable milestone. Every National Lottery player who has ever purchased a ticket at Co-op has helped make a difference to communities across the UK.

“This campaign is our opportunity to say thank you – to players, to the incredible Co-op team and to everyone who has helped deliver life-changing National Lottery funding over the past three decades. The projects featured in this campaign are powerful examples of the positive impact made possible by National Lottery players, the length and breadth of the UK, every single day.”