William Hill Confirms £200K Donation to Support Ukraine Post-Eurovision
Following the recently concluded Eurovision Song Contest, UK iGaming operator William Hill has affirmed its donation of £200K to the charity Support Ukraine.
William Hill previously committed to allocate 100% of its Eurovision market profits to the UK-based charity. These funds are designated to provide vital assistance to a significant number of Ukrainians displaced to the UK and further support for their families who are unable to exit the conflict-ridden country. The aid package is expected to include essential food supplies, toys, and other forms of humanitarian aid.
The Eurovision final, witnessed by an energetic live audience and a record-breaking average of 9.9 million TV viewers, saw Swedish pop star Loreen achieve a historic second win with her song ‘Tattoo’, becoming the first woman ever to secure the Eurovision title twice. The song outperformed other strong contenders, including Finland’s entry ‘Cha Cha Cha’ by Käärijä, in an intense finale. Other top five performers included Noa Kirel from Israel, Marco Mengoni from Italy, and Norway’s Alessandra Mele, all of whom had odds of 40/1 or greater entering Saturday’s final.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps said, “We’re proud to be able to donate £200k to the Ukrainian appeal, giving much-needed food, toys and humanitarian aid to the thousands of Ukrainians now based in the UK, as well as for their families back in Ukraine. Anyone that placed a bet this weekend on the Eurovision has helped the cause, regardless of if their bet slip was a winner.
“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 are proud to be able to offer financial support to those Ukrainians who need it most.”
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 by this donation of £200k.
“The money will help provide necessities to those effected on or near to the front line and de-occupied territories, including medical aid such as medicine and much needed medical evacuation vehicles.”
