A WORCESTER-based not-for-profit provider of social housing and care is among a trio of businesses to have signed up to support a county community event again next summer.
Sanctuary is set to sponsor an adult and baby penguin sculpture in the great Waddle of Worcester, an eight-week public art trail which will unite the city in a quest to find 80 penguins dotted around streets and public spaces.
A Wild in Art event being brought to Worcester by St Richard’s Hospice, the trail will also help raise funds for patients affected by serious progressive illnesses and their loved ones.
The project builds on the hugely successful Worcester Stands Tall and Worcester’s Big Parade trail in 2018 and 2021, when giraffes and elephants were displayed across the city before raising more than £700,000 combined.
Craig Moule, chief executive of Sanctuary, said: “We were proud to be part of the last art trail in Worcester and, as a significant local employer, it was very rewarding to see the positive impact it had on the local community as well as raising vital funds for an important local charity.”
Forty large penguins will be painted by artists while their 40 chicks will be designed and decorated by students and teachers in local schools.
Upton Snodsbury-based gritting and snow clearing business AA Salt Services Ltd is to sponsor both an adult and baby penguin sculpture.
Ben Tanner, director of AA Salt Services Ltd, said: “Having been involved with both the giraffe and elephant trails last time around and witnessing the magic they bring, we knew we had to waddle with St Richard’s in 2024.
“We also wanted to ensure we helped local children play a part so are delighted that our sponsorship of a penguin chick will allow a local school to get involved and see their creation on display in the city centre.”
City centre independent travel agency arrange MY Escape is also helping bring some magic to the heart of Worcester next summer.
General manager Jennifer Lynch said the business ‘jumped at the chance’ to get involved again, having sponsored a giraffe in 2018. “We’re usually helping our clients make memories in hand-picked destinations away from home, so it’s fantastic to be helping create some more art trail magic on our doorsteps instead,” she said.
Call Sara Matthews on 01905 763963 or e-mail [email protected] for more on sponsorship.
Visit www.waddleofworcester.co.uk for more on the event.
