Worcester Bosch is the latest company to sponsor an elephant for Worcester’s Big Parade, having been a big part of the city’s giraffe trail in 2018.

Bosch has sponsored a large sculpture and funded two smaller elephants, which will be designed and decorated by community groups Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club and Onside Advocacy.

Around 65 elephants, large and small, will go on display across the city for eight weeks this summer, before each large sculpture is auctioned to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice. The baby elephants will return to the schools and community groups which decorated them.

Sue Pennington, corporate communications manager at Worcester Bosch, said: “Worcester Bosch is a longstanding supporter of St Richard’s Hospice. It’s a cause which is very close to our team’s heart, with many having experienced the hospice’s work firsthand.

“We also have an interest in the arts and environment so were quick to get involved with Worcester Stands Tall back in 2018 and loved being part of such a wonderful community event. In fact, we became so attached to our giraffe ‘Chameleondalis’, it still stands proudly in our reception today. When we heard about a second trail and the chance to sponsor a large elephant, plus two calves which enable community groups to be involved, it was a very easy decision to get on board again. We can’t wait to play our part in another truly memorable arts event this summer.”

Each elephant sculpture is being funded by companies and individuals from across Worcestershire and beyond – with just a few sponsorship opportunities remaining.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager at St Richard’s, said: “It is brilliant to have Worcester Bosch by our sides once again for what promises to be another unforgettable event in the city.

“By generously sponsoring a large and two small sculptures, the company will help create lasting memories for so many in the community.

“We are really excited to be working with a cross section of the community as part of our education programme – and thanks to Worcester Bosch, two community groups will have the chance to design and decorate their own work of art and see it on display in their home city.”

While all elephant calves have now been adopted by schools and community groups, a few large elephant sponsorships remain. Call 01905 763963 or email smatthews@strichards.org.uk, or visit https://worcestersbigparade.co.uk/get-involved/

Worcester’s Big Parade is a Wild in Art event being brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice. It is supported by partners Crowngate, Worcester City Council, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.

To find out more, visit www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk. You can also follow Worcester’s Big Parade at www.facebook.com/WorcestersBigParade, www.twitter.com/WorcsBigParade and www.Instagram.com/WorcsBigParade