Virtual raffle gives a real boost to Bethesda

The idea for this online fundraising effort was created by Megan Macdonald of Sandwick Bay Candles, who initially came up with the idea of raffling-off a hamper of her beautiful candles to help the care home.

However this soon grew to organising a much bigger fundraising effort when Megan was approached by many Island businesses keen to offer their support with prizes for the raffle.

This kind-hearted support from the local business community meant that Megan was able to offer more than 100 prizes in the vitual raffle.

The live draw for the prizes took place on the Sandwick Bay Candles Facebook page at 8pm on Wednesday evening.

Talking about the draw and the final total, Megan said: “It was amazing. The raffle went off without a hitch thankfully.

“I’m making my way through the list of emailing the winners.

“The final amount raised for Bethesda was £69,293, which is unbelievable!”

She added: “So many people commented on how the live draw was better than the telly and how much it had brought the community together.

“My Dad in Australia put his alarm on for 3am and watched the entire raffle draw, which took two hours.”

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