UK bookmaker William Hill announced Friday it will be donating all profits made on its Eurovision markets towards relief efforts for displaced Ukrainians in the United Kingdom. The pledge was unveiled just hours before the final of the international song competition takes place in Liverpool.
All the profit of all bets placed in William Hill’s Eurovision markets will go towards the Support Ukraine initiative, the bookmaker noted. “These funds will provide essential food, toys and humanitarian aid to the thousands of displaced Ukrainians here in the UK – as well as much-needed support for their families abroad,” the firm said.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “We will be pledging 100% of our profits made on the Eurovision market to the brilliant Support Ukraine charity. If you place a bet on the Eurovision market this weekend, Ukraine will win regardless of if customer bet slips are successful.”
“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.”
A charity initiative based in London, the Support Ukraine Coordination Hub has already assisted in providing hundreds of meals to an increasing population of Ukrainians seeking refuge in London, as well as delivered meals/aid to families that have remained or are unable to leave Ukraine. Additional aid includes donations of food, toys and other humanitarian supplies.
A spokesperson for Support Ukraine added: “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. 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.”
A final donation figure will be confirmed on Monday, following the finale of the Eurovision Song Contest, William Hill stated.