Shrewsbury charities can bid to star on Monopoly board
Two Shrewsbury charities are being sought to ‘Pass GO’ on the brand new official Monopoly game for the town.
The charities will get to star on the brand new board – on community chest spaces all on their own.
"It's our way of thanking the public for getting behind the game so very enthusiastically," says Jake Houghton, custom games executive at Winning Moves UK, makers of the new game under license from Monopoly owners Hasbro, Inc.
To qualify the charities have to be "clearly Shrewsbury focused", adds Mr Houghton.
They must also be currently registered with The Charity Commission for England and Wales.
From today polls will open for nominations and will last a week, until 23.59pm next Wednesday.
It was announced a fortnight ago that Shrewsbury is getting its very own official Monopoly game.
The public was invited at the time of the announcement to send in votes and suggestions to star on the Monopoly spaces and community chest and chance cards.
One card, perhaps cheekily, which has caught a lot of attention sends players to Telford rather than the Monopoly jail.
Fantastic
“The response has been absolutely fantastic and way exceeded our expectations,” adds Mr Houghton.
"More than 4,000 votes have poured in so far. We would like to formally thank each and every person who has sent in nominations.
"Now, as our way of a thank you, two town charities will now get to star on their very own Monopoly community chest spaces."
Shrewsbury Castle, Abbey and The Dana Prison have all polled very well so far, added Mr Houghton.
“The game will feature the great and the good of Shrewsbury.”
Councillor Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, added: “We’ve got lots of great charities who play a vital role in making Shrewsbury a fantastic place to live, work and visit.
“They do an excellent job of helping look after those who need extra support, helping to maintain our green spaces and community buildings and supporting the work of thousands of dedicated volunteers.
“They truly deserve to feature on a space in the Shrewsbury Monopoly game – but it will be difficult picking just two."
The new game will be available at all major retailers starting in October in Shrewsbury and beyond, as well as at online retailers including Amazon.
To vote go to the Shrewsbury Monopoly Facebook page.