London, 20th August: Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, and Co-op today announce a major partnership campaign celebrating an extraordinary milestone: £3bn raised for National Lottery Good Causes through National Lottery sales in Co-op stores since 1994.

Running from 12 August to 1 September, the nationwide ‘Because Of You – £3 Billion’ campaign will highlight the connection between playing The National Lottery and supporting thousands of projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all ages.

The nationwide campaign will be visible across Co-op stores in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, utilising a combination of National Lottery retail assets, Co-op retail media channels and dedicated activations to bring to life the impact of National Lottery funding.

Over three weeks, the campaign will feature bespoke National Lottery playstation messaging, thank-you posters and special £3bn display units in selected high-footfall stores, helping to connect players with the Good Causes they support.

The initiative will also leverage Co-op's media network, with messaging appearing on digital till screens, in-store radio, pin-pad surrounds, front-of-store digital displays, floor vinyls, targeted member communications and social media advertising.  

Five stores across the UK will receive dedicated takeovers showcasing local National Lottery-funded projects and the positive impact they are having on their communities.

Featured organisations, who also received funding and support from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, include:

• ‍Teens Unite Fighting Cancer in Hertfordshire, which supports young people living with and beyond cancer.‍
• Stretford Children's Theatre in Greater Manchester, helping children and young people build confidence through the arts.‍
• Footprints Women's Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. which has supported women and families in its community for decades.‍
• The Inverclyde Shed in Scotland, which tackles loneliness and social isolation through community-led activities.‍
• The Swansea Wellbeing Centre in Wales, which provides accessible wellbeing services to people from all walks of life.

Together, these projects have received more than £1.7m in National Lottery funding and showcase the breadth and diversity of the Good Causes supported by National Lottery players.

A celebration also took place at Co-op's Manchester headquarters on 19 August, where teams came together to mark the achievement. The event featured the presentation of a commemorative '£3 Billion Thank You' plaque by colleagues from Allwyn and Co-op, and was attended by representatives from Guide Dogs UK, which has received more than £1.5 million in National Lottery funding since 2014. Local volunteers joined the Atrium event alongside Jumble, an 11-month-old Golden Retriever guide dog puppy in training.

Kate McCrae, Co-op Retail Director, said: “Whether you pop to Co-op for a pint of milk, lunchtime meal deal or dinner, many people also enjoy playing the lottery. Every ticket bought has helped to make a difference, and this amazing sum raised via Co-op since the Lottery first began more than 30 years ago has helped to fund causes that support stronger communities, improve wellbeing and, create opportunities for people of all ages in towns, villages and cities across the UK.”

Bridget Lea, Managing Director – Retail at Allwyn, added: "Reaching £3bn raised for National Lottery Good Causes through Co-op stores is a remarkable milestone. Every National Lottery player who has ever purchased a ticket at Co-op has helped make a difference to communities across the UK.

"This campaign is our opportunity to say thank you – to players, to the incredible Co-op team and to everyone who has helped deliver life-changing National Lottery funding over the past three decades. The projects featured in this campaign are powerful examples of the positive impact made possible by National Lottery players, the length and breadth of the UK, every single day."