Merkur UK increases community donations to £1.25m

British arcade operator Merkur UK has underlined its ‘local community credentials’ by making a further £5,000 donation to the Bacta Charitable Trust.

The donation was presented by Merkur UK General Manager, Sascha Blodau, to Industry figurehead and Chairman of the Trust, Jimmy Thomas, alongside Bacta CEO John White, at the recent Entertainment Attractions & Gaming International Expo (EAG Expo 10-12 January).

“This sum is hugely appreciated by everyone connected with the Bacta Charitable Trust and extends Merkur UK’s tremendous support for community-focussed worthy causes,” remarked Thomas.  

“The last two years have been extremely difficult for everyone in society, not least the charity sector which saw its revenue streams run dry virtually overnight as a result of COVID-19. Contributions such as the one made by Merkur UK serve as a lifeline.”

The donation forms part of the Merkur Initiative programme introduced to help support smaller community-based good causes, and raises Merkur’s charitable contributions in the UK to a staggering £1.25 million.

Blodau added: “Merkur Initiative is all about providing financial assistance to those smaller charities that don’t receive the level of publicity and support enjoyed by bigger and better-known organisations. 

“So far Merkur Initiative has helped over 40 such groups including an animal sanctuary, a food bank in Manchester, an organisation that provides entertainment for children while they are receiving treatment in hospital, a hospice roof appeal, a homelessness organisation.”