The bookmaker said that it would donate all profit from bets on Eurovision to the UK-based charity, which provides humanitarian aid to displaced Ukrainians living in the UK, as well as their families who are unable to leave the country to seek safety.
Funds will be used to provide essential food supplies, toys for children and humanitarian aid.
Swedish pop star Loreen claimed victory at the final on 13 May with her song ‘Tattoo’, and in doing so became the first female singer to win the competition twice.
Finland’s entry Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä placed second, while Noa Kirel of Israel, Italy’s Marco Mengoni and Alessandra Mele from Norway completed the top five in the final.
The event took place in Liverpool, with the UK city having assumed hosting duties as last year’s winner, Ukraine, was unable to stage the final due to the ongoing conflict with Russia in the country. The UK finished second in 2022.
Helped the cause
“Anyone that placed a bet this weekend on the Eurovision has helped the cause, regardless of if their bet slip was a winner,” William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said.
“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.”
A Support Ukraine spokesperson 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.
“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.”
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/social-responsibility/william-hill-donates-200000-to-support-ukraine-after-eurovision-pledge/
