SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
William Hill has made the decision to donate all profits made from the Eurovision Song Contest towards relief efforts for displaced Ukrainians in the UK.
As preparations take place for the final of the competition in Liverpool tomorrow, 100% of the profit of all bets placed in the bookmaker’s Eurovision markets will go towards the initiative, Support Ukraine.
Lee Phelps, William Hill Spokesperson, commented: “If you place a bet on the Eurovision market this weekend, Ukraine will win regardless of if customer bet slips are successful.”
In detail, the funds will provide food, toys and humanitarian aid to the thousands of displaced Ukrainians in the UK, as well as support for their families abroad.
Phelps continued: “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.
“We must not forget the disasters Ukrainians are still battling through, and the continued support Ukrainians require both in their home country and for those who have sought refuge here in the UK.”
The London-based Support Ukraine Coordination Hub has previously helped provide meals to the increasing population of Ukrainians seeking refuge in London, as well as delivered meals/aid to families that have remained in Ukraine.
“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,” added a spokesperson for Support 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.
“The money will help provide necessities to those affected on or near to the front line and de-occupied territories, including medical aid such as medicine and much needed medical evacuation vehicles.”
The gambling firm has asserted that a final donation figure will be confirmed on Monday next week.
