Peter Rabbit sculpture seekers should be aware of official ways to support the Tales on the Tyne trail after a fake donation pot was discovered. Thousands of people have enjoyed searching for the 96 uniquely decorated Peter Rabbit sculptures hidden around Newcastle and North Tyneside this summer.
The trail is delivered by and organised in support of St Oswald's Hospice, helping to generate valuable funds for the charity. The 40-year-old charity provides free, specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people living with incurable, life-limiting conditions in the North East.
Fake collection reported
On Thursday, August 13, St Oswald's Hospice was contacted by a member of the public who reported that a bowl and sign requesting donations had been placed alongside the 'When the Boat Comes In' sculpture on North Shields Fish Quay. The handwritten note read "Cash donations welcome" and was held down by rocks at the foot of the sculpture. A blue bowl was placed next to the note.
Today, St Oswald's Hospice confirmed that, to the best of their knowledge, the collection is no longer in place. A spokesperson for the charity said: "St Oswald's Hospice was contacted by a member of the public who reported that on Thursday, August 13, they saw a bowl and sign requesting donations had been placed alongside one of the Peter Rabbit™ sculptures on the Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne trail."
"We confirmed that this collection was not part of any official fundraising activity organised by, or on behalf of, St Oswald's Hospice. The individual who reported the matter advised us that they had also reported it to the police. To the best of our knowledge, the collection is no longer in place."
How to support the trail
The Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne concludes on September 14. After this, most of the large sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for St Oswald's Hospice. Since the trail launched in July, the charity has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the community, with thousands of people exploring the trail with family and friends.
A spokesperson added: "Peter Rabbit™ has clearly captured the hearts of people of all ages, and we have loved seeing and hearing about their trail adventures."
There are a number of ways to support the trail, including downloading the official 'Tales on the Tyne' app or purchasing the trail map and sticker book online. Tickets to the Tales on the Tyne Farewell Event, the culmination of the trail, are also now on sale, with all proceeds going to St Oswald's Hospice. Visit www.talesonthetyne.co.uk to find out more. This event will be taking place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October.
There are lots of ways to make a difference but the most impactful and efficient way to support St Oswald's Hospice is to setup a monthly gift. A gift of any amount each month will immediately be put to good use in supporting adults, children and family at a difficult time. One off donations are also gratefully received. Donations can be made online at www.stoswaldsuk.org/donate or by calling 0191 246 9123.
