Horace the hog is hefty and hairy and snores a heck of a lot — but bosses at Aldingbourne Trust reckon the loveable creature is a great illustration of how to put the fun into fundraising.
Heavyweight grunter Horace — a domestic kunekune pig from New Zealand — is just one of the many animals that can be sponsored at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, near Chichester.
Horace has his very own bio on the Aldingbourne Trust website and it reads:
“Horace is a very laid-back pig, and to be honest he is pretty lazy! He loves nothing more than to just have a lay down in the mud for a snooze. You can quite often hear Horace snoring before you can see him.”
As well as Horace, sponsors can choose to adopt animals such as George the pygmy goat, Rupert the miniature horse, Charlie the alpaca and Dora the bronze turkey.
A spokesman explained:
“We’re constantly raising vital funds to provide care, training, jobs, independence and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and, or autism now and in the future.”
“An adoption lasts for one calendar year and is the perfect gift for family and friends. There are three packages to choose from and all packages include personalised certificate, photo of your adopted animal, newsletter, free entry voucher, animal fact sheet, birthday card from your animal, badge and fundraising money box.”
Aldingbourne Trust says it is always looking for kind-hearted people to help with fundraising through events such as fun runs, cycle rides or even sky-diving:
“Why not enter an event to support the Aldingbourne Trust and have fun challenging yourself to beat your personal best or trying something new? Whether you want to take part in an event we organise or a different kind of challenge to fundraise for the Aldingbourne Trust, we would love to help you.”
“Remember to have fun! Whatever you choose to do, don’t get too caught up in the organising and enjoy your FUN-draising. Spread the word about your great events by using social media and email to invite people and let them know what you are planning to do!”
Boosting the coffers is essential to charities such as Aldingbourne Trust and the organisation was able to see a magnificent fundraising drive come to fruition recently when Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, declared the Trust’s the new £4million Quarry Building officially open at a celebration and ceremony at the centre.
The Duke, who is a patron of the Aldingbourne Trust, said:
“The Quarry Building is the culmination of 10 years of designing, securing support, funding and construction. It offers a new vision for social care — where local businesses, the community and people who have learning disabilities and/or autism can learn, work and prosper. It’s a model which is attracting international attention. The impressive building is a new West Sussex gem which I would encourage everyone to visit.”
