Call for Sponsors

The hunt is on. ellenor is calling on businesses across North Kent and Bexley to be part of something special by sponsoring a bear sculpture in a vibrant public art trail coming to the Borough of Dartford in summer 2026.

Opening at the start of the school summer holidays, the ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ trail will run for eight weeks with thirty beautifully decorated Big Bear sculptures and thirty smaller Bear Cubs appearing in public spaces across the Borough ready to be discovered and enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.

Led by ellenor, this art trail has been created in partnership with Dartford Borough Council, Wild in Art, Walker Books and Bluewater Shopping Centre to raise vital funds and awareness for our hospice care – so that more people in Dartford know that ellenor is here for them, just as it has been for over 40 years.

We’re now inviting businesses to sponsor a Big Bear sculpture and be part of something unforgettable. Each design will be unique, created by professional artists, local schools, or community groups.

Georgie Packer, Project Lead for ellenor said: “This is going to be a project that brings together every corner of the local community – the hospice, businesses, the creative community, plus schools and local groups too – not to mention the families who will enjoy it once we have all the bears ready to be found!

“Businesses will have the opportunity to support us, but also to join in with a fantastic, visual and exciting project – we can barely wait!”

At the end of the trail, all bears will be auctioned to raise funds for ellenor helping us continue to support people of all ages living with life-limiting conditions. Businesses will also have the chance to bid for and keep their sponsored bear.

© David Oates Photography (Leeds Bear Hunt 2023)

Georgie added: “We’re very pleased to have Dartford Borough Council as our presenting partner, who will be invaluable in bringing the art trail to life and letting people know about it as well as Bluewater Shopping Centre playing a key role as Official Partners”

“We also have a fantastic design partner, Pillory Barn, visual partner for the photography and video work, The Imageworks and Artisan Print are our print partner.

“We’ll be working with professional artists, both local and national, schools and community groups – all working together to bring this fantastic art trail to life.”

The Dartford Bear Hunt is supported by:

• Presenting Partner: Dartford Borough Council
• Official Partner: Bluewater Shopping Centre
• Print Partner: Artisan Print Services
• Creative Partner: Pillory Barn
• Photography and Video Partner: The Imageworks
• Storage and Logistics Partner: Pentagon

To find out about sponsorship options, contact Georgie Packer:
07918 561609 dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org