Lottery win surprises staff with cash bonus

The workforce at a Sunderland-based business kicked off 2021 with a nice surprise thanks to their recent Ha’way and Play lottery win. The team at O’Brien Aggregate Marsden each received a cash bonus after their employer signed up to the Foundation of Light’s matchday draw as a special staff incentive. Their lucky number was pulled out during Sunderland AFC’s home win over Shrewsbury Town. The local business signed up to be entered into every Ha’way and Play draw when the new matchday lottery was launched earlier this season as a way to support the Foundation of Light’s work in the community and reward staff during these tough times. Jacqueline Taylor, head of finance at O’Brien Aggregate explained: “As a local company we love support the foundation, the work it does in our community is amazing, even more so in these very difficult times, and we are proud to be part of that. “Winning the matchday draw was an added bonus  for our staff as the cash prize was shared between them. We would encourage other businesses to support the foundation and reward their staff at the same time. It is a brilliant idea from the foundation. “After the difficulties that we have all experienced over the past year, as a local business it was wonderful to be able to reward our staff with this Prize and at the same time know the community is benefiting So far, the lottery has made 13 people £1,000 richer, but more importantly, funds raised from the matchday draws has helped to fund some of the Foundation’s vital work. Thanks to the lottery over 3,000 care and food packages were delivered across the north east ahead of Christmas; those self-isolating have also benefitted from over 100 hours of online support from Foundation staff. Mental health also a key issue at the moment, with weekly keep fit sessions being delivered as well as advice on well-being. If you're a business and keen to make Ha'way and Play work as a staff incentive for your team please get in touch with clare.wilson@foundationoflight.co.uk