Merkur Casino UK Extends Charity Partnership with Willen Hospice

Merkur Casino UK has renewed its agreement with Willen Hospice for a second year as a platinum corporate partner, in the latest charity initiative announced by the operator.

The partnership, which has so far raised more than £19,000 for the Milton Keynes-based charity, is funding support for local people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Under the terms of the renewal, Merkur, which has its UK base in Milton Keynes, will once again sponsor Willen Hospice’s corporate golf day, bringing together local businesses. Merkur’s sponsorship of the golf day totals £10,500 over two years.

Supporting the community

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at Merkur Casino UK, said:

"We are proud to continue our partnership with Willen Hospice and support the incredible work they do for people across Milton Keynes.

“Willen Hospice is a charity that touches the lives of so many local families, providing essential care and compassion when it matters most. As a business, we are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we’re delighted to continue contributing to the hospice’s vital work through our sponsorship of the corporate golf day and wider fundraising efforts.”

Merkur has also donated to Willen Hospice’s Willen at Home service, gifting £3,000 to help enable patients to receive support from their own homes. Separately, Merkur has donated £5,650 across the past three years towards the hospice’s Christmas dinners, with team members helping serve festive meals to patients and staff.

Keira Caso, Business and Partnerships Executive at Willen Hospice, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Merkur for continuing their support as a platinum corporate partner for another year. Partnerships like this make a real difference to local people and families facing some of the most challenging times in their lives.

“The support Merkur has provided through fundraising, sponsorship, and volunteering helps us continue offering compassionate care to our community and ensures we can be there for those who need us most.”

An operator and a supplier

Merkur Gaming is part of the German-based Merkur Group. The group acts as both a supplier to the industry and as an operator. In the UK, Merkur operates slots and casino venues.

Last September, Merkur expanded its UK presence with the acquisition of Oasis Retail Services, a gaming and amusement machine operator in Northern Ireland.

Merkur has often used its position in the UK to donate to charitable causes. In March, Merkur announced it had donated £100,000 to Momentum Children’s Charity, supporting families with seriously ill children as part of a three-year partnership. Merkur’s funding will be used to help the charity continue with its specialist bereavement service Momentum Echoes.

Consistent charity work

Among Merkur’s more recent donations are a £1,231 gift to Sunlight Developments Trust, to help support the wellbeing, general and mental health of the Medway community in Kent. Merkur also recently donated £2,000 to Urban Roots, an environmental health charity based in Glasgow.

From March 26 to 29, Merkur Casino Aberdeen hosted a four-day poker event in support of the Help for Heroes charity, which provides services to help veterans live independently after service. The tournament featured a £12,000 prize pot.

In February, Merkur announced a £2,350 donation to HerMove Fitness, a charity which supports women who have been victims of domestic abuse. The donation will enable HerMove Fitness to deliver a 12-week fitness and wellbeing programme for women recovering from domestic abuse and trauma.