With a deep commitment to bringing about positive change, PokerStarsthe renowned global online gaming and entertainment brand, has announced a strong partnership with The BillyChip Foundation, a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the homeless. Together they want to provide crucial support and care to people living on the streets.
As part of this partnership, PokerStars has pledged a significant grant of £100,000 over two years, specifically designed to help people with restless nights in the UK access essential supplies. This generous contribution will give them a lifeline and enable them to purchase basic items they desperately need.
The BillyChip Foundation has developed the concept of a safe currency for homeless people. This unique system can be used to purchase food and beverages at participating outlets, effectively eliminating the hurdles and concerns that often accompany traditional forms of charitable giving.
PokerStars hosts a non-profit poker tournament
To kickstart this impactful partnership, PokerStars is hosting a live charity event No Limit Hold’em Poker tournament during PokerStars UK & Ireland Poker Tour Londonscheduled for Wednesday, September 20th in Hippodrome Casino. The charity event is open to all, with a buy-in of £220, of which £50 from each participant’s fee will be generously donated to support the noble cause BillyChip represents.
Sue Hammett, International Head of CSR at PokerStarsexpressed their excitement and said: “PokerStars is excited to support BillyChip for the next two years. The impact this inspiring charity has on homeless people will always be Billy’s legacy and we are proud to be part of their journey. Our collaboration with them will help us achieve Flutter’s goal of improving the lives of 10 million people by 2030.”
Jon Hope, co-founder of BillyChipadded: “We are thrilled to partner with PokerStars and work with them to make a difference in people’s lives.” It’s amazing that BillyChip has caught the attention of such a large brand dedicated to supporting organizations dedicated to helping people in a wide variety of situations – just like we do every day in our work.”
About the Billy Chip Foundation
BillyChip is a groundbreaking social enterprise platform dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness. The platform allows individuals to purchase BillyChips at participating food and beverage stores, which can then be offered to insomniacs and homeless people as an alternative to cash. These chips can be redeemed for food, drinks and other essential products.
The BillyChip initiative was founded in 2018 to carry on the legacy of Billy Abernethy hope, a compassionate twenty-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol. Billy was disheartened by the limited support local homeless people received, despite regular donations to charity. He noted that a significant percentage of donations did not reach street residents because he feared the money could be used for drugs or alcohol. BillyChip provides a compassionate solution that provides empathy, connection and choice to homeless people across the UK.
The BillyChip Foundation was established as a registered charity by Meg Abernethy HopeBilly’s sister, and Jon Hope, Billy’s father. In recognition of her charitable efforts, Meg received the 2021 Diana Award, further highlighting the profound impact of her work in supporting the homeless community.
