Coral launches charity partnership with the NSPCC and children 1st

Leading bookmaker Coral tomorrow officially launches a year-long charitable partnership in aid of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and sister charity in Scotland, CHILDREN 1ST, with the aim of raising at least £250,000 for the two charities.

Coral chose these children's charity's following a vote by staff, and is the second cause to benefit in this way. In 2004, Coral raised £300,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Tomorrow's Coral Backing The NSPCC Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park signals the start of the fundraising, which will be carried out by staff across Coral's 1,286 betting shops, the telebet call centre, Hove and Romford greyhound stadia and the company's Barking and Woking head offices.

Coral MD Wilf Walsh, said: "The NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST were by far the most popular choice of our staff, and as a result we are delighted to be offering our support to these most worthwhile organisations over the next twelve months."

NSPCC head of corporate partnerships, Elaine Dodds, said: "It is fantastic that Coral have chosen the NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST as their charities of the year. The NSPCC and CHILDREN 1ST cannot end cruelty to children on their own which is why partnerships such as this are so important to our work.

"We are very much looking forward to working with Coral to make a success of this important partnership which will raise vital funds to help us achieve our mission of ending cruelty to children."

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For further information please contact:
Simon Clare (Director of Communications – Coral) 07860 465139
Valentine Murombe-Chivero, NSPCC media office on 020 7825 7416

** Notes to Editors:

· Coral is one of the leading betting and gaming operators in the UK with over 1300 betting shops, a substantial telephone betting operation, two greyhound racing stadia and an online betting business at http://www.coral.co.uk

· In October 2005 Coral merged with Gala Group, who operate 30 Casinos and 175 Bingo Clubs, forming the largest betting and gaming platform in Europe.

· The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. It seeks to achieve cultural, social and political change – influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours and delivering services for the benefit of children and young people.

· The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline (0808 800 5000) is a 24 hour, seven days a week service and calls are free.

· CHILDREN 1ST works to give every child in Scotland a safe and secure childhood. We support families under stress, protect children from harm and neglect, help them recover from abuse and promote children's rights and interests.

· A key part of our work in helping children is helping their parents. Our free helpline, ParentLine Scotland on 0808 800 222 supports parents so they can provide the best possible care for their children.

This release was published on openPR.