After the hugely successful ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade,’ which concluded with 52 individually designed Elmers being auctioned in aid of Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, Kent, we can now reveal where some of these delightful Elmers have found their forever homes in time for Christmas.
Surprisingly, not only have the Elmers found homes across the UK, but some have found homes further afield with ‘Sunset Plains’ now in Spain and ‘Elly-do, Elly-don’t, Elly-dance’ getting ready to be shipped to a new home in America.
Businesses including TPS Global Logistics Limited were keen to help raise money for the Hospice and were delighted when they had the winning bid for ‘Sunset Plains’ which is now basking in the sunshine of Montoro in Spain.
Managing Director Matt Smith said: ‘We had decided at the beginning of the auction we would be bidding to win an Elmer too but when we saw ‘Sunset Plains’ we thought it would be a wonderful gift to send to my business partner in Spain. He wasn’t aware that we had sent it, so it was a great surprise when he opened the crate and saw what was inside. He was very happy with the new addition to the family and where ‘Sunset Plains’ now lives it overlooks one of the largest freshwater lakes in Spain surrounded by olive trees.
‘We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Heart of Kent Hospice as the Official Logistics Partner, helping to deliver the Elmers to their new homes. It is very heart-warming and humbling to see the amazing work and efforts the team put in to supporting those in need. We look forward to continuing to support the charity in years to come.’
‘Where’s Elmer?’ has found its forever home with its original sponsor Westerhill Homes, who were the Parade’s Official Presenting Partner.
At the auction ‘Where’s Elmer?’ raised £6,250 and Westerhill Homes were the successful bidders. The sculpture is now back at the head office of Chartway Group and is welcoming visitors as they arrive.
Ian Savage, CEO of Westerhill Homes said: ‘In addition to sponsoring Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, we were delighted to support the Hospice even further with our winning bid for ‘Where’s Elmer?’ He is currently at the entrance to our group’s office, enabling us to continue letting people know about the Hospice and the valuable work they are doing in our community. We will be sending ‘Where’s Elmer?’ out to visit some of our new home developments in the future, he’s so eye-catching and a real talking point; we know our visitors will enjoy seeing him too.’
‘Pink Fizz’ has found a new home with former Hospice Trustee Joanne Lindsay and is now a popular feature in Joanne’s front garden in Maidstone.
Joanne said ‘I was until recently a Trustee at Heart of Kent Hospice, and when we first agreed to go ahead with the Elmer trail and associated auction, I decided that I wanted to contribute by buying an Elmer. With Covid intervening I eventually managed to do this about three years later!
‘’Pink Fizz’ caused quite a stir when she arrived, and folks still stop and take pictures now and ask about the Elmer trail and say how pleased they are to see her.
‘Both with my involvement as a trustee and the fact that the Hospice cared for my mum when she passed away in 2013, I never cease to be amazed by the care and love that is provided by all of the colleagues and volunteers. In times of my mum’s and her family’s greatest need it was invaluable.’
For further information about fundraising events to raise vital funds to support Heart of Kent Hospice visit https://www.hokh.org/support-us/events/
About the Heart of Kent Hospice:
2021 marks our 30th anniversary. Three decades of providing free, compassionate, end-of-life care to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling and the surrounding towns and villages.
The Hospice has built an excellent reputation within the local community for the quality of our care, which has been further endorsed by the Care Quality Commission who awarded us with an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection in February 2017.
Our vision is for everyone living with a terminal illness in our community to achieve the best quality of life. We are committed to achieving this by enabling them to live in comfort, with independence and dignity to the end of their lives, and to support those closest to them.
Last year the Hospice cared for over 1,700 patients and their families in their own homes or at our Aylesford-based Hospice. Our services cost £5 million a year to run, with over £4 million raised through the generosity of our local community.
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