In a heartfelt commitment to bring about positive change, PokerStars, the renowned global online gambling and entertainment brand, has announced a powerful partnership with The BillyChip Foundation, a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to aiding individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, they aim to provide crucial support and care to those living on the streets.
Under this partnership, PokerStars has pledged a substantial grant of £100,000 over a span of two years, specifically designated to empower rough sleepers in the UK to access essential necessities. This generous contribution will give them a lifeline, allowing them to purchase fundamental items they desperately require.
The BillyChip Foundation has pioneered the concept of a secure currency designed for the homeless. This unique system can be used at participating outlets to acquire food and beverages, effectively removing the barriers and hesitations often associated with traditional forms of charitable giving.
PokerStars to Host Charitable Poker Tournament
To kickstart this impactful partnership, PokerStars will host a live charity No-Limit Hold’em poker tournament during the PokerStars UK & Ireland Poker Tour London, scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 at the Hippodrome Casino. The charity event is open to all, with a buy-in of £220, out of which £50 from each entrant’s fee will be generously donated to support the noble cause championed by BillyChip.
Sue Hammett, International Head of CSR at PokerStars, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “PokerStars is delighted to be supporting BillyChip for the next two years. The impact this inspiring charity has on people who are homeless will always be Billy’s Legacy, and we are proud to be part of their journey. Our work with them will help us achieve Flutter’s goal of improving the lives of 10 million people by 2030.”
Jon Hope, Co-Founder at BillyChip, added, “We are thrilled to partner with PokerStars and work with them to help change people’s lives. It’s amazing that BillyChip has caught the attention of such a large brand, and one which is committed to supporting organisations that give a helping hand to people in a variety of situations – just as we do in our work each and every day.”
About The Billy Chip Foundation
BillyChip is a groundbreaking social enterprise platform with a mission to empower those experiencing homelessness. The platform enables individuals to purchase BillyChips from participating food and beverage outlets, which can then be offered to rough sleepers and homeless individuals as an alternative to cash. These chips can be redeemed for food, drinks, and other essential products.
The BillyChip initiative was established in 2018 to carry forward the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a compassionate twenty-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol. Billy was disheartened by the limited support that local homeless individuals received despite regular charitable donations. He noticed that a significant percentage of donations did not reach those living on the streets due to concerns about the money being used for drugs or alcohol. BillyChip offers a compassionate solution, extending empathy, connection, and choice to homeless individuals in the UK.
The BillyChip Foundation was founded as a registered charity by Meg Abernethy-Hope, Billy’s sister, and Jon Hope, Billy’s father. In recognition of her charitable efforts, Meg received the Diana Award in 2021, further underscoring the profound impact of their work in supporting the homeless community.