
SO Charitable Lottery Funds Give Boost to Local Charities
Publish 16 July 2025
The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary and Friends of Ewelme School are two of eight local charities to benefit from an extra £7,000 of unrestricted funding thanks to the SO Charitable Lottery.
Since its launch in 2018, the SO Charitable Lottery, run by South Oxfordshire District Council, has raised £167,595 to help local organisations, voluntary and charitable groups who are committed to supporting local communities and the natural environment.
Players of the lottery can choose a good cause they wish to support including the SO Charitable Community Fund, which distributes funding to good causes selling 20 tickets or more a week.
The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, who care for around 70 to 100 animals daily, including dogs, cats, rabbits and goats, and reunite hundreds with loving homes each year received £1,595.
Iain Atkin, Sanctuary Manager, said: “We would encourage all residents of South Oxfordshire to consider signing up to the SO Charitable Lottery. Not only do participants have the chance to win prizes, but they also know that their contribution is making a real, tangible difference to local animals and the community organisations working tirelessly to help them.
“Thanks to the generosity of SO Lottery supporters, we can continue our mission of giving every animal that comes through our doors the medical care they deserve and the best possible chance of finding their forever home.”
Friends of Ewelme School received £1,047, which they plan to use to support their Forest School, giving children the chance to enjoy weekly outdoor sessions with a specialist and spend more time learning in nature.
Stephanie Pereira, from Friends of Ewelme School said: “Friends of Ewelme School signed up to the SO Charitable Lottery in 2018, and it has been a brilliant source of income for the school.
“We are a small school, so receiving the additional funds makes a big difference to us. The children all love learning outdoors, and benefit hugely from these sessions, so thank you SO Lottery for helping Friends of Ewelme School!”
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “I’m grateful to everyone who plays a part in supporting our local good causes through the lottery. It’s fantastic to see local groups getting the boost they need to help even more people. A big thank you to everyone who’s bought a ticket, you’re making a real difference in our communities.”
Residents who take part in the lottery, can either support a charity or group of their choice or donate to the SO Charitable Community Fund, these funds are distributed to local organisations and community initiatives which have a beneficial impact on the local community.
- Tickets cost £1 a week and give you a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize each week!
- For each £1 ticket sold 60p will go to good causes in South Oxfordshire
See our website www.southoxon.gov.uk/lottery/ for more information on how organisations can join the lottery and how residents can support good causes in the district.
Notes to editors:
High res images available on request.
Please attribute the following captions/credits if using.

Boo the cat at The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary

Forest School at Friends of Ewelme School