William Hill announced just before the Eurovision Grand Final last weekend that it would donate all of the proceeds from the event to the UK-based organization Support Ukraine.
According to the official numbers, William Hill will donate a total of £200,000 ($250,000) to Support Ukraine, which will be used to buy food and other supplies for Ukrainian families who were forced to flee their homes due to the war and come to the UK.
“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 residing in the UK, as well as for their families back in Ukraine,” said Lee Phelps, a William Hill spokeswoman.
This year, the UK hosted the Eurovision Grand Final in Liverpool, which came second in last year’s final. As the Ukrainian winners from the previous year were unable to host the event in their own nation, the UK incorporated Ukraine into much of its Eurovision show this year.
“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 have been 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.” Phelps continued.
With odds of 4/7, Sweden’s entry Loreen entered the final as the clear favorite, with Finland’s Käärijä running a very close second, as per these leading UK online bookmakers.
The generous donation has not been without controversy however; as William Hill faces negative press over embezzlement allegations, the donation has been viewed by some as a publicity stunt to regain a positive reputation.
A representative 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.”
As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, donations to Ukraine have reached around $900 million. Ukraine has received donations from many organizations, nations, and charities.