Cambridge Standing Tall art trail sponsors mark World Giraffe Day as Welch’s Transport takes on tall order

Storing and moving 40 large giraffe sculptures around Cambridge sounds like a tall order - but thankfully there’s somebody who is up to the task.

Welch’s Transport has been unveiled as the new transport and storage partner for the Cambridge Standing Tall art trail that will run throughout the city next spring.

Organised by the charity Break, and supported by the Cambridge Independent, the trail is the follow-up to the successful Cows about Cambridge trail in 2021.

Welch’s was announced as the newest partner as the 23 sponsors of the trail came together for an afternoon of networking, and local roasted coffee from Break’s CoffeeBreak van, at One Station Square to celebrate World Giraffe Day last Thursday.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to get involved in and we’re looking forward to keeping all the sculptures safe until they’re ready to be out on the city’s streets,” said Welch’s director Chris Welch.

“We’ve been in Cambridge for nearly 90 years but we’re aware that as a haulage firm, we’re not too visible in the city centre. So this is a great opportunity for us to get some exposure in the city whilst also being able to provide our services to the charity and help the trail be the best it can. It makes it that bit more special by actually being part of this amazing event that the public will love!”

The 10-week trail will be delivered by Break in partnership with Wild in Art and principal partner Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), with Alan Boswell Group as presenting partner.

Break senior partnerships manager Pete Marron said: “We are excited to welcome Welch’s Transport to our tower of wonderful giraffe supporters and it’s great to know the giraffes are in safe hands.

“It’s thanks to our amazing sponsors that the trail is possible, and we’re always on the look-out for more businesses to come and join us. The trail has such a positive social and economic impact on the region, and our sponsors tell us that not only is a great way to connect with other businesses, but it’s such a fantastic and unique way to engage their customers and their staff whilst supporting a great local cause.”

Following the trail, a number of the sculptures will be made available for auction with all money raised going towards supporting young care leavers, who have to leave care at just 18.

Break supports care leavers on their journey towards independence for as long as they need.

Cambridge is home to the charity’s pioneering Staying Close, Staying Connected service, where young care leavers are supported into independence and beyond by providing good quality housing so that they always have a roof over their heads.

Meanwhile, the trail also brings the community together. Schools and community groups are being encouraged to take part by adopting and decorating one of up to 50 Mini-Gs - smaller sculptures that will be part of the trail’s learning and community programme.

Visit break-charity.org/cambridge-standing-tall/ to find out how you can get involved.