Havens Hospices is looking for volunteers to help with its public art trail, Waddle-on-Sea, which is set to make a splash in Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea this summer.
Following on from the success of Hares About Town in 2021 and Herd In The City in 2023, which raised over £1 million for local hospice care, Waddle-on-Sea will see over 30 large penguins, along with some small penguins, sponsored by businesses and created by professional artists. Huddles of baby penguins will also accompany the sculptures, which will be adopted and decorated by schools, community groups, and organisations.
Penguin Shop Needs Helpers
As part of the trail, a new gift shop named Waddle HQ will be popping up in the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend-on-Sea, and Havens Hospices is looking for volunteers to help support this new venture.
Currently open as a traditional charity shop, it will transform into a penguin paradise nearer the time of the trail, selling a selection of trail-themed merchandise and forming a base for the trail with activities and projects for everyone to enjoy and get involved with.
The charity is looking for a team of volunteers to support the Shop Manager by greeting shoppers, operating the till, restocking items and sharing information about the trail.
Volunteering Brings Rewards
Kim Hamber, Volunteer Experience Manager at Havens Hospices, said, “Not only is volunteering an ideal way to share your skills or learn new ones, but it’s also very rewarding and can become a fulfilling part of your life, leading to new opportunities and friendships.
“Volunteering at Waddle HQ is a fun and rewarding way to help support the art trail and be at the heart of this brilliant community event. We’re asking for people to donate four hours of their time a week and have various shifts available. The charity will refund any out-of-pocket travel expenses and provide full training.”
If you can spare a few hours each week to help Havens Hospices continue to provide specialist support and care for babies, children, and adults with incurable or complex conditions across Essex, please visit our website (see below) or call us on 01702 886 399 or email volunteering@havenshospices.org.uk.