Just before the Eurovision Grand Final took place last weekend, William Hill announced that it would be donating 100% of its profits from the event to the UK-based charity, Support Ukraine.
The official figures are in and William Hill will donate a total of £200,000 ($250,000)to Support Ukraine, which will go towards providing food and provisions for Ukrainian families who were displaced by the war and fled to the UK.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, said: “We’re proud to be able to donate £200,000 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.”
The Eurovision Grand Final was hosted by the UK this year, as last year's Ukrainian winners were unable to host the event in their home country.
Phelps continued: “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.”
Sweden’s entry, Loreen, went into the final with odds of 4/7 as an overwhelming favourite.
A spokesperson for Support Ukraine said: “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 £200,000.
“The money will help provide necessities to those affected on or near to the front line and de-occupied territories, including medical aid such as medicine and much needed medical evacuation vehicles.”
