Mel Saggs interview with Alex Murray on the Watford Community Lottery and W3rt

Mel Saggs had the opportunity to interview Alex Murray, lead for Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT), to discuss how they are helping the local community thrive during difficult times.

Supporting Local Charities

At W3RT, Alex is responsible for supporting approximately 700 local charities in Watford, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to make a meaningful impact. However, challenges such as COVID-19, the rising cost of living, and a shortage of volunteers have increased demand on these charities while resources continue to dwindle.

Despite these obstacles, Alex and his team are working on solutions. "The Lottery and the Community Funder are great options for charities," he explains.

What Does the Community Fund Do?

The Watford Community Fund supports projects that help with the cost of living, extending beyond traditional initiatives like food banks. It also aids in areas such as mental health, social isolation, and keeping people warm during winter.

What Is the Watford Community Lottery?

The Watford Community Lottery is an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for local charities and good causes across the town, benefiting Watford and its residents.

How Does the Lottery Contribute to the Fund?

"The website is online, and for every ticket sold, 10p goes directly to the Watford Community Fund," Alex explains. Tickets are priced at just £1 each. Additionally, players can choose to support a specific charity or contribute to the community fund generally. If the community fund is selected, 60p from every ticket sold supports a wide range of charities.

The Impact of the Community Fund

Last year, the Watford Community Fund supported around 25 different charities, awarding a total of £52,750 to various organisations. Beneficiaries included:

• West Herts Hospital Charity
• Local food banks to purchase essential supplies
• A jazz festival providing a free event in Oxhey
• Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers
• And many more

The Watford Community Fund helps many good causes in the town.

Beyond funding large-scale initiatives, W3RT sees the personal impact of their work. A report from Caudwell Youth highlighted that, thanks to funding, a young person was able to turn away from carrying knives. Alex emphasizes, "It’s your funding that allows this work to continue."

Support Vibe!

As part of the community lottery, you can support Vibe107.6FM in bringing music, local news, and events to Watford. Vibe works to connect, inform, and entertain, fostering a strong community while supporting local talent and providing a platform for local voices.

We need your help to continue our mission and expand our services! By playing the community lottery, you can support Vibe and other great causes in Watford. Get involved today and make a difference!

You can play the community lottery here. Please gamble responsibly.