An elephant visits the Saffery office in Bournemouth

A community art project has launched to support Weldmar Hospicecare with a vibrant trail of elephant sculptures across Dorset.

Excitement is building at Saffery’s Bournemouth office as staff welcomed an early visitor from next year’s “Stampede by the Sea” art trail.

Fundraising Lead, Fiona Hansford and fundraiser, Eden Fraser from Weldmar Hospicecare brought along a baby elephant statue for a photo opportunity, offering a sneak peek of the colourful herd set to take over Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis from 28^th March to 27^th May 2025.

The event, organised in partnership with local businesses like Saffery, aims to raise vital funds for Weldmar Hospicecare, which provides compassionate end-of-life care for local adults with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families.

At the end of the project, each of the thirty artist-designed elephants on the trail will be auctioned at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester to raise funds for Weldmar Hospicecare.

Casidhe Baleri, Saffery Partner said, “Saffery is honoured to be part of such a meaningful project.

“Stampede by the Sea is about more than art; it’s about bringing the community together to support Weldmar’s invaluable work. We’re thrilled to welcome this little elephant as an ambassador for the event, and we look forward to seeing the full herd take shape next year.”

The art trail will also feature baby elephant sculptures permanently placed in local schools and learning centres, creating lasting connections between the community and Weldmar Hospice Care’s mission.

Fiona concluded, “We are delighted that Saffery is supporting Stampede by the Sea, and that their whole team is engaged with our art trail. Bringing a Baby Elephant to their offices generated lots of enthusiasm! They are planning some exciting activities during the trail itself in the spring, and also looking forward to getting their own families involved too. These are just some of the benefits that come with sponsoring an elephant sculpture on the trail, and it’s not too late for other local businesses to follow Saffery’s lead and sign up to take part.”

For more information about Stampede by the Sea, please visit www.stampedebythesea.org