How European Lotteries are Helping Ukraine

The war in Ukraine continues and doesn’t look like it will end anytime soon. Since it began in February, European Lottery (EL) members have been doing all they can to support those affected by the war.

There are several ways in which this can be achieved. Showing support for Ukraine is one way but it is helping ease the problems that are being encountered by Ukrainian refugees that is a key way of dealing with the situation. Many lottery companies have made welcome donations to the Red Cross.

Neighbour in Need

Austria soon took action to help the ongoing crisis. A donation of 75,000 euros was made by the Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries Group. This was received by the ‘Nachbar in Not’ (Neighbour in Need) charity.

There have also been collections of vitally needed medical goods for Healthcare in Ukraine. Easter saw Austrian lotteries busy raising more funds with over 7000,000 euros raised.

Help on a constant basis

The Belgian National Lottery has given even more help to those who have become refugees due to the war. 1.9m euros has been donated and this helps with everything from hygiene and education to food and psychosocial guidance. There were also 60 computers given to ‘digital for youth’ and donated to young Ukrainian refugees in Belgium.

SAZKA in the Czech Republic have been helping organise trucks that are packed with food, hygiene products and sleeping bags. The pledge is to help on a long-term basis. Lottery companies know that more help is needed, even if the war was to end tomorrow.

In France, La Francaise des Jeux have donated 200,000 euros to the French Red Cross. OPAP in Greece are also playing their part with a continual stream of food and medicine being donated.

European lotteries are doing a great job in difficult circumstances. Poland has seen a steady influx of refugees and Totalizator Sportowy have helped organise a 24/7 information point. They even turned their company holiday centre into a housing facility.

It’s great to see so much help being given by EL members and is something the industry can be truly proud of.