Swindon & Wiltshire News
Vehicle leasing firm Arval becomes latest Swindog sponsor
Swindon-headquartered vehicle leasing firm Arval has become the latest corporate sponsor to adopt a Swindog on The Big Dog Art Trail.
A pack of 30 Swindogs – larger than life balloon dog sculptures – are set to be unleashed across Swindon during the summer of 2023.
The uniquely decorated sculptures will create the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.
Arval UK, part of the BNP Paribas group, is a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions including vehicle leasing, fleet management and even electric cargo bikes.
As part of that it responsibly funds more than 187,000 cars and vans in the UK.
The company is a supporter of a number of good causes – centred around its offices in Swindon, Solihull and Manchester – through community education programmes, fundraising and volunteering.
Most recently, it has donated a number of electric and low emission vehicles to charitable and community causes to help increase the sustainability of their operations.
Zoe Maitland, Arval UK head of corporate social responsibility, said: “We’re actively involved in supporting our local community, where we’re guided by our employees’ recommendations to support initiatives which contribute to help people, the environment and the economy.
“By sponsoring this wonderful local initiative for Julia’s House, we are achieving that aim and hope to demonstrate our business’ purpose for a more sustainable future through art. We’re proud to be involved and will be encouraging our employees to visit The Big Dog Art Trail to offer a boost to their wellbeing.”
Chris Hyde, project ,anager for The Big Dog Art Trail, said: “We’re delighted Arval UK has decided to be part of The Big Dog Art Trail and signed up to sponsor one of our Swindogs.
“They join our pack of brilliant sponsors who are all so enthusiastic about the trail and supporting Julia’s House. But local companies haven’t missed out just yet, there’s still a handful of Swindogs that need sponsoring.
“By sponsoring a Swindog and joining The Big Dog Art Trail pack, your company will be part of an event which will bring thousands of visitors to Swindon.
“The trail will improve brand awareness for your business or organisation in a unique and memorable way and it will help you build a feel-good factor among your employees, customers and stakeholders.
“Crucially, you’ll also be helping to raise funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice and supporting our care for the most seriously ill children and their families in your community.”
The Big Dog Art Trail will run from 15 July to 3 September 2023 and end with a grand farewell weekend where all of the stunning Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.
The giant one-of-a-kind creations will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.
The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer Wild in Art, which has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide.
Image: Simon Ward photography
