Pilgrims Hospices Lottery: From small beginnings to over 21,000 entries
1996 saw the beginnings of Pilgrims Hospices Lottery, with an army of volunteers stomping the streets to gain supporters and willing participants to our first ever draw in April 1996.
Nearly 30 years on, and thanks to many of the same early collectors and members, we go from strength to strength. Our draw now has over 21,000 entries every week and continues to grow. It’s a fun and easy way to give and be part of the Pilgrims community, providing regular, sustainable funds to go towards Pilgrims very special services. Did you know that more than 5,500 winners cheques worth over £200k are sent out every year?!
Following the success of the weekly draw, we’re delighted to say that we’ve also been able to add several associated products to our portfolio over the years, which have proven to be very popular. We now offer scratch cards, wedding favours and gift vouchers for any event– including Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.
Fun facts!
In 2024, our dedicated team of Lottery Collectors walked over 3,000 miles, the Lottery team signed up over 4,000 new entries and we congratulated more than 5,500 lucky winners.
Plus, our ever-popular Christmas Superdraw; 2024 year, with £75,000 brought in. This was our most successful Superdraw in over a decade. Thank you to the thousands of you who took part and made such a difference to so many. It really does mean a lot to us all at Pilgrims, particularly special and appreciated in these challenging times.
As a weekly lottery, we contribute to good news and happy memories. We like to tell and be told good news stories, the joys of winning, the difference a win can make; going towards holidays, celebrations, treats for children and grandchildren alike, creating blissful flashbacks and treasured moments. Our very kind and generous supporters have donated thousands of pounds worth of winnings to Pilgrims Hospices in this last year alone. Thank you so very much, it really does make such a big difference and helps us continue to provide our compassionate care to those who need it the most.
We are still fantastic value at just £1 a week per entry! Join today!
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
3rd March 2025
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery Superdraw Christmas 2024 raises over £75,000 for hospice care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that its Lottery Superdraw Christmas 2024 raised more than £75,000 to support hospice care in the local community.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the 2024 Superdraw has become the most successful in over a decade, with thousands of you taking part.
Dr Pia Amsler
Pia Amsler, Medical Director at Pilgrims Hospices, and some of the patients who received her compassionate care and understanding, were integral to this vital fundraising campaign. Reflecting on its success, Pia said:
“It has been truly heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause. Many of our service users shared how much hospice care means to them, and I’m delighted to have been part of this incredible effort to raise funds that will directly impact the lives of so many. Every ticket purchased represents hope, compassion, and the opportunity to help people live well in every moment.”
The funds raised will go a long way in supporting Pilgrims Hospices’ mission to provide high-quality care and services for patients and their families across east Kent. By purchasing a ticket, participants not only contributed to the draw’s success, but also played a vital role in ensuring that Pilgrims can continue to offer its life-affirming care to those who need it most.
Shiralee Riddell, Pilgrims Lottery Manager said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased a ticket and helped us achieve this remarkable result. Your generosity means that we can continue to be there for people at the most challenging times of their lives, helping them live well in every moment. This success is a testament to the amazing support we receive from our community.”
As Pilgrims Hospices looks ahead in 2025, the funds raised through this Superdraw will ensure that even more people can benefit from its compassionate care, enabling patients to live as well as possible, despite serious illness, until they die well.
Thank you to everyone who made the Superdraw such an amazing success and helped make a real difference to hospice care in our area.
With big cash prizes to be won each week, you will also be supporting those who need our care and services.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
