Fibreglass goats to go on parade from June for autism and literacy charities
A PARADE of fibreglass Guernsey goats will be in the island from June as part of a competition to raise money for two charities.
Autism Guernsey has partnered with Guernsey Adult Literacy Project to organise the 2020 Guernsey Goat Parade, following the success of the 2011 donkeys and 2012 cows.
So far, 49 of the 52 fibreglass goats have been sponsored, so three are up for grabs costing £600 to sponsor. The goats are due to arrive in Guernsey in early March.
After arrival, the goats will be decorated by designers before collection on 11 May.
Autism Guernsey fundraising manager Mandy Morris said ‘a lot of sponsors are organising their own artists. 34 artists, schools, or groups have come forward. Three businesses have made plinths, including Guernsey Prison, R. H. Le Tissier and Paul’s Joinery’.
Carpenters are still needed to build fixed plaques detailing the name of the sponsor and the painter.
‘Government House will host a drinks reception for sponsors on 31 March. All goats will go on parade on 7 June on the Crown Pier for Arts Seafront Sunday.
‘Raffle tickets will also go on sale then to win a painted goat. The raffle will be drawn at the auction and additional tickets will be on sale at Savills Estate Agents.’
Once Seafront Sunday celebrations are over, the goats will be transported to locations across the island.
A map will indicate their locations.
‘The goats will be displayed around the island from 17 June to 31 August. Competitions will be run on an app and in paper form and will cost £2 to enter.’
After taking photographs with all 52 goats, participants can enter into a prize draw.
‘Individuals will be asked to take a selfie with the goat on the app and share it on social media.
‘Once selfies have been taken with all the goats, they can then enter the competition.’
The competition is due to start from 20 June to ensure all goats are positioned in time.
‘We will shortly be running a Facebook competition with our new dedicated Facebook page to win a £100 voucher donated from the Christies Group.’
The goats will stay in position until September when they will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to Autism Guernsey and GALP.
Online bidding is a possibility as different avenues are looked into.
‘We are hoping to raise around £60,000. Without events and support from the public, we would be unable to remain sustainable.
‘Our charities do not receive any States’ funding, therefore all services have to be paid for by grants, donations and fundraising events.’
The auction will take place on 17 September at St James, with £10 tickets including sparkling wine and a buffet.
n For more information, contact Mandy Morris on 232879 or email office@autismguernsey.org.gg. It costs £600 to sponsor a goat.
