Chris Franks from Barnstaple has won £1,000 in the Libraries Unlimited lottery. People in Devon can support the charity that runs the libraries by buying a lottery ticket that costs just £1 a week, with the possibility of winning up to £25,000. There are also other prizes to be won such as shopping vouchers and food subscriptions.
Chris has been a member of the library since he moved to Devon in 2017 and has been playing the lottery for two years. “It’s actually the second time I’ve won something- the first time was about £45. It’s great because you don’t do it to win, you do it to support the libraries so it feels like a bonus.”
Chris used the money to take his mum away on a much-needed holiday after losing his brother last year. “When you’ve got something spare you can think about those kinds of treats. I play this lottery because I believe in the importance of libraries. They are central to the community I think. There’s so much you can do at the library like tea and cake and playing board games, and you go in and see the same faces and that’s a nice feeling. The staff are always lovely as well and you feel very welcome.”
For every ticket purchased, 50% directly supports library services, helping to tackle educational and social inequalities, skills gaps, loneliness, and isolation. Since Joining One Lottery in February 2023, Libraries Unlimited has raised over £16,000.
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer, Libraries Unlimited, commented: “The lottery is a really good way for us to raise extra funds for libraries. As Chris has shown, people tend to play because they want to support libraries across Devon and Torbay, and it’s a nice extra if they win anything, which people often do! We are very grateful to Chris and everyone who supports us, it all makes a difference to what we can offer and how we support communities.”
In the last three years supporters have won £7,816. Of that, £850 has been donated back to the charity, increasing the charity’s total funds raised to over £17,000.
A spokesperson from One Lottery added: “Congratulations to Chris on winning our Super Draw, and thank you to everyone who supports Libraries Unlimited and other good causes across the country through One Lottery.
Every ticket helps raise vital funds for good causes while giving players the chance to win fantastic prizes. We’re proud to help organisations like Libraries Unlimited generate additional income to support the important work they do in their communities, and we’re always delighted when we can celebrate a big win alongside them.”
To play the lottery visit Play Our Lottery – Libraries Unlimited
