A traditional city centre confectioner has joined a growing number of county businesses supporting next summer’s penguin-themed art trail in Worcester.
Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop on Worcester High Street is to sponsor one of forty large penguins who’ll parade through city streets and public spaces in summer 2024. Run by couple Aleks Racic and Alexandra Turner, the family has a very personal reason for getting involved:
“We’ve recently taken on this wonderful sweet shop and named it in memory of my Dad. St Richard’s Hospice provided support to him and all of the family,” said Aleks Racic.
“It was so important to Dad to be at home and St Richard’s helped to make that possible by offering compassion and guidance to the whole family and round-the-clock access to support as and when needed. They made a very difficult time that bit easier for us all.”
“When we saw that the hospice was calling for local businesses to help make the penguin trail possible we jumped at the chance to give something back and be part of something really special in the city next summer. We can’t wait to see everyone waddling in Worcester and can provide plenty of sweet treats to enjoy along the way!”
The great Waddle of Worcester opens on Monday, 22 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 15 September 2024.
A Wild in Art event, it will be the third art trail brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s, said: “There’s something magical about a traditional sweet shop like Mr D’s and Spirit, our penguin, has had great fun behind the counter in his apron!
“While the first part of the art trail is all about providing fun, free days out for a community which gives so much to us as a hospice, the sculpture auction at the end helps us continue our care for patients and their loved ones. We’re so grateful to Aleks and Alexandra for helping us be there for other families into the future.”
Forty large penguins will be designed by artists and selected by sponsors to appear along the six-mile route. To register interest as an artist visit our Artist page.
Forty baby penguins will be available for adoption by local schools and community groups. To register interest as a school or community group visit or Schools page.
You can follow the great Waddle of Worcester on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The great Waddle of Worcester is supported by Presenting Partners; Crowngate, DRPG, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire Ambassadors, Community and Education Partner; Worcester BID and Media Partners; the Worcester News and BBC Hereford & Worcester.
Join the huddle
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, call Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager, on 01905 763963, or email [email protected]
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