A herd of more than 50 brightly decorated elephants will be arriving in west Dorset to raise money for people receiving end of care life.
Stampede by the Sea will see elephant sculptures come to Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis in the spring of 2025 to raise funds and awareness for Weldmar Hospicecare.
The art project created by Wild in Art will transform each area into a vibrant, fun, and free art trail, engaging with local families, schools, businesses, and artists.
The event was officially launched at the Electric Palace in Bridport, where the first elephant design was unveiled, with artists now able to submit their designs ahead of the event.
An elephant entitled Waves of Emotion was created by Dorset artist Anissa Lee, who worked with attendees of Weldmar’s Wellbeing Support Sessions to come up with a design that reflected both the local area and the care provided by the charity.
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “We create what I call big bonkers brilliant art trails all over the world.
“They deliver smiles, they deliver economic impact, they deliver health and wellbeing benefits, but they all raise a huge amount of money for our charitable partners such as Weldmar.
“It’s a really simple concept, when people walk round the corner they bump into a wonderful elephant sculpture, they enjoy the artwork and it makes them smile. Off the back of those smiles, amazing things can happen.”
Funds will be raised for Weldmar Hospicecare through the sponsorship of each sculpture and other elements of the art trail, allowing local businesses to play their part in the project.
A further boost to the charity’s coffers will come when each of the sculptures will be sold at auction after the trail finishes.
Local schools and youth organisations will also be able to engage with a learning programme provided alongside the trail.
Each school will receive a baby elephant sculpture to design which they will be able to keep along with elephant themed learning resources shared with them relating to citizenship and conservation.
Teachers will also be supported in starting conversations about grief and dying, and how children can be encouraged to share their feelings and emotions.
Health and wellbeing for the local community will be encouraged throughout the trail by getting people outdoors and discovering each of the incredible elephants.
It will also increase awareness of the work of Weldmar in the west of Dorset, highlighting its services.
Matt Smith, chief operating officer at Weldmar Hospicecare, said “This is something that we’ve wanted to do for a number of years, and now seems the right time as Weldmar marks its 30th anniversary.
“Apart from the financial benefits to us from the sponsorships and the auction which will go straight back into delivering our care, this will also help break down those barriers and the stigma around end of life and dying, and conversations around bereavement which can be the elephant in the room. Getting people to understand the care we provide in Dorset is really important.”
More details about Stampede by the Sea can be found online at stampedebythesea.org, and by following Stampede by the Sea on Facebook and Instagram.
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