‘Fantastic gesture’ – William Hill donate all profits of £200k from Eurovision final to charity Support Ukraine
WILLIAM HILL will donate £200,000 to charity Support Ukraine following the Eurovision final.
The bookmaker had pledged to donate 100% of profits made from Saturday's final, that was held in Liverpool.
The firm revealed this morning that would mean a donation of £200,000.
Support Ukraine was established to help the substantial number of Ukrainians who fled their war-torn country and those who have been unable to leave for any reason.
The money will go towards essential food supplies, as well as toys, and humanitarian aid.
Based in London, the charity has already assisted in providing hundreds of meals to an increasing population of Ukrainian refugees who have set up temporary home in the city.
A record average of 9.9million Brits tuned in to watch Swedish sensation Loreen win the competition at odds of 4/7.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “We’re proud to be able to donate £200k to the Ukrainian appeal, giving much-needed food, toys and humanitarian aid to the thousands of Ukrainians now based in the UK, as well as for their families back in Ukraine.
"Anyone that placed a bet this weekend on the Eurovision has helped the cause, regardless of if their bet slip was a winner.
“It has been over a year since millions of Ukrainians had their worlds turned upside down, and on the weekend of a Eurovision that should be being held in Kyiv, it is a stark reminder that the fight is ever-present – but so too are the relief efforts, and the resilience shown by a nation with a heart of steel.
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"We are proud to be able to offer financial support to those Ukrainians who need it most.”
While a spokesperson for Support Ukraine said: “We are immensely grateful for all the support Ukrainians have received from the UK and British people, and for their grand offer to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.
"We are especially thankful to William Hill for their fantastic gesture to donate all profits from betting on the event to our cause. We are deeply touched by this donation of £200k.
“The money will help provide necessities to those effected on or near to the front line and de-occupied territories, including medical aid such as medicine and much needed medical evacuation vehicles.”
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