Sponsors needed for globetrotting Gruffalo

Local companies are invited to sponsor a globetrotting Gruffalo featuring their corporate logo as it is photographed travelling the world during 2019.

To celebrate the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019, Steyning author and patron of the Year of Culture, Julia Donaldson MBE, is dispatching 20 Gruffalo toys around the world sporting corporate sponsors’ logos.

Eight Gruffalos have already been sponsored which just leave 12 in need of human help. The latest sponsor is Creative Technology, one of the world’s leading suppliers of specialist Audio Visual equipment to the sports, corporate, exhibition and entertainment industries.

Commenting on their decision to sponsor the globetrotting animal, marketing and communications executive, Alana Coyne said: “Being a leading global AV supplier with an office based in West Sussex, we feel the Gruffalo project is a great way to get involved with the local community.

“We will be taking this unique opportunity to share some of the incredible places we travel to, the spectacular events we get involved in, and the wonderful people we meet along the way. We plan to send our Creative Technology Gruffalo to some awesome music tours, major sporting events, and one of a kind corporate gigs around the world.”

The premise of Global Gruffalo is straightforward.

Sponsor your Gruffalo, take a photo of yourself or your company and the toy and upload to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @GlobalGruffalo, or use #GlobalGruffalo,.

State where you are in the world, then pass him on to someone else to do the same.

The aim is to get all of the Gruffalos home to Horsham for December 2019 to be part of an exhibition at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens during 2020.

Horsham District Council cabinet member for Culture and Leisure, cllr Jonathan Chowen, said: “This is a unique way of getting your company logo to go viral and increase awareness of your business as your sponsored Gruffalo is featured on social media travelling around the world.

“By working with such a well-loved character, we are not only shining a spotlight on our district but also on your company with a campaign that will promote your business around the globe.

“This project is a brilliant way of collaborating with our Horsham District resident and Patron to the Year of Culture, Julia Donaldson MBE, in the year that her wonderful book, The Gruffalo, celebrates its 20th year since publication.

“Your children, grandchildren, friends, business colleagues and customers will all get caught up in the excitement of your Gruffalo and his/ her travels.”

Travel plans have already been revealed including: Year of Culture sponsor Gatwick Airport aiming for the most travelled Gruffalo.

A visit to Peru with Jodie Kidd and Chestnut Tree Hospice.

A grape crushing experience at the Benguela Cove vineyard in South Africa with Leonardslee Lake and gardens owners, the Streeter family.

As well as a visit of all the Saxon Weald sites and a tour of all the primary schools in the district with the help of Swan Walk Shopping Centre, Horsham.

If you want your own Gruffalo to sponsor as it travels around the world you are going to have to act quickly as they are selling out fast with only a few left.

All you need to do to sponsor a Gruffalo is email [email protected] or call 01403 215060.