Up to £300m raised by National Lottery players will go towards supporting the most vulnerable in UK communities during the coronavirus crisis, Camelot has pledged.

Lottery

The initiative, enabled by The National Lottery Community Fund, will ensure that National Lottery funding is distributed at scale to help projects across the UK in what Camelot describes as the biggest non-governmental contribution to the efforts in local communities to combat the coronavirus.

National Lottery players are encouraged to buy their tickets in retail outlets only as part of their essential shop.

The National Lottery Community Fund chief executive Dawn Austwick said: “The Fund has always supported projects that help people and communities across the UK thrive.

“And now, the Fund is switching its focus for the foreseeable future on supporting charities seeking to mitigate the unprecedented pressure communities are coming under as the country rallies to overcome the virus.”

Camelot ceo Nigel Railton said: “Week in week out, National Lottery players make a huge difference to the lives of people and communities across the UK. Just by buying a ticket, players in every nation have helped raise over £40bn for good cause projects, from supporting our athletes to repairing scout huts.

“Now, more than ever, The National Lottery can play a critical role in supporting our communities as we all face this challenge together. Up to £300m raised by National Lottery players will be helping to fund vital work in local communities at a time when it’s needed the most.”