Winning the lottery

July 25th, 2011

Some lucky family in Largs has the enviable challenge of figuring out what to do with the £160 million that has just landed in their bank account.

 

I am sure we can all dream about what we would do with a Euromillions win, and faithfully put our lucky dip every week in the hope that it is our turn.

 

In many ways though, Inverclyde already has a winning ticket.

 

Traditionally, lottery funding is one area we have failed to make inroads and Inverclyde has lost out disproportionately over the years.

 

Indeed, this is something lottery bosses have acknowledged and we are one of five communities in Scotland which can access the £9 million fund ring-fenced through the Our Place programme.

 

That said, more than £4 million has already been spent in Inverclyde by the Big Lottery Fund across 137 projects since 2006

 

I have seen for myself the good ways in which this money is being spent in our community.

 

I have supported American football coach Vincent Gillen, who has been able to use the lottery funding to run the popular Inverclyde Phoenix team.

 

I know St Columba’s High, Gourock High and Inverclyde Academy were all able to put on extra sporting activities with help from the lottery.

 

And the Financial Fitness Team, which offers debt and financial advice, has also been able to run much-needed projects thanks to recent funding.

 

Lottery money has proven to be a lifeline for some voluntary groups but we won’t get this money unless we ask for it.

 

So I would advise anyone involved with a good cause who needs financial help to visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

 

You can’t win the lottery unless you buy a ticket – and this community is guaranteed a win.

 

www.duncanmcneil.com