More lottery income urgently needed

This isn't the first time, since everyone was hit by Covid-19, that Oldham chiefs have lodged such an appeal to all those with Roughyeds at heart

In these extremely difficult and challenging times for all businesses, Oldham Rugby League Club is urgently in need of financial support via its Club Cash lottery.

This isn't the first time, since everyone was hit by Covid-19, that Oldham chiefs have lodged such an appeal to all those with Roughyeds at heart.

Unfortunately, while some have responded positively, Oldham's income from Club Cash has dropped by nearly 50 per cent since the current world-wide situation began which included social distancing and, subsequently, prevented door-to-door lottery collections.

Last month the club sent out hundreds of letters to lottery members and, via the website and social media platforms, urged others to consider joining the lottery, which could be a potential lifeline, for only £1 a week.

In a letter signed by lottery manager John McAndrew, members were told: "As part of our constant reviewing of our operations and procedures our attention has turned to the current situation facing us all relating to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.

"With that in mind we will be making a number of operational amendments in the coming weeks to minimise the threat to the lottery, the good causes we support and, most importantly, the health of staff and members.

"Whilst the interaction between agents and members is brief and doesn't constitute 'close contact', and the inherent risk to members is minimal, we are introducing ways for our collecting agents to reduce this risk further."

While some members paid agents differing amounts 'up front' to cover the next few weeks and others subsequently filled in forms to start paying by direct debit or instructed their banks to do a bank transfer, the overall result was a significant drop in membership.

As a result, and one which is being felt by all clubs and organisations, Oldham can confirm they have temporarily modified the weekly prize structure in line with the number of people taking part.

They still offer a weekly first prize of £1,000 plus further prizes of £100, £50, £25 and some £10 consolation prizes, and the club urgently and seriously needs people to help.

For more information, please ring the ORLFC lottery team on 07904 898177 -- they are working from home and are 'open' Monday to Friday during normal office hours.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.