The Beacon Centre, one of the West Midland’s oldest charities, has launched a digital summer raffle to help raise much needed funds in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The organisation has been supporting people with sight loss for more than 145 years but has been facing a funding crisis because of lockdown measures which saw it temporarily suspending a number of key activities. 

At the height of the pandemic the charity was losing £25,000 a week, despite needing to provide new and expanded services such as telephone befriending, to help those most vulnerable to the virus. Although it has now been able to reopen a small number of its charity shops the organisation is still unable to carry out many of its usual activities and fundraising events. As a result, it has taken its summer raffle online. 

For just £2 per raffle number people will be in with a chance of winning three unique prizes courtesy of Parnaby’s Saddlery, Barclay’s Sedgley, A.F. Blakemore and Sons and Dudley Canal Trust including a summer goodies hamper, a gentleman’s gift box and a family fun hamper. Beacon Centre Supporter Engagement Manager, Sophie Higgins, said:

“We are delighted to be able to take our summer raffle online as there are some fabulous prizes on offer. We need people’s support more than ever and this is a great way to help us raise funds so we can continue to support those at risk from Coronavirus.”

You can find out how to take part by clicking here. The raffle will be drawn on Monday 3rd August and terms and conditions apply.