Fans of the children’s storybook character, Elmer, can now win their very own sculpture of the popular patchwork elephant.
Ahead of Elmer’s Great North Parade, a free public art trail delivered by St Oswald’s Hospice, the colourful character is heading out on tour to meet families across the region.
And not only can people meet the adorable elephant but they can buy raffle tickets to be in with the chance to win their very own full-size Elmer elephant sculpture.
From now until the 10-week long art trail stomps on to the streets of Tyne and Wear on 21 August, Elmer and his herd of staff, will be stopping off at venues across Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead and North and South Tyneside, where they will be selling raffle tickets and telling people all about Elmer’s Great North Parade.
Just like its predecessor, the Great North Snowdogs, the Parade will feature individually decorated statues, this time of best-selling author David McKee’s colourful character. Elmer’s herd are guaranteed to both delight and fuel the imagination of visitors of all ages.
The Parade will draw to a close on 27 October and the beautiful sculptures will then be sold to the lucky highest bidders at an exciting live auction at Sage, Gateshead on 12 November.
“Some of our wonderful Snowdogs raised as much as six thousand pounds when they were auctioned in 2016,” said Jane Hogan, Head of Fundraising at St Oswald’s Hospice.
“So, while we can’t place an exact value on the Elmer sculptures, it’s a good indication of what our fantastic Elmer raffle prize may be worth.
“We also have two hampers of official Great North Elmer merchandise, worth £100 and £50, to give away to runners up, so I’d urge everyone to have a go.
“Just by buying a ticket people are supporting the Hospice’s Children and Young People’s Service – where we support children 0-25 years who have incurable conditions, and their families and loved ones too.
“We rely on the generosity of the community to help us continue our vital work with people right across the North East and we are very grateful for their support.”
Elmer fans don’t need to worry if they can’t get along to meet Elmer on tour as tickets for his ele-phantastic raffle are also available to buy online at www.stoswaldsuk.org/elmer/raffle.
Raffle tickets will also be on sale at each of St Oswald’s Hospice’s 23 charity shops across the region until the end of May. Tickets cost £1 each or £20 for a book of 20.
The raffle is open to anyone over the age of 16 and the Hospice can only cover the cost of prize deliveries to a UK mainland address.