Taking over the quiet streets of Llandudno during Lockdown, the Great Orme goats soon became a viral sensation with videos and pictures being shared worldwide.
St David’s Hospice, Llandudno is no stranger to visits from these curious creatures, as they often wander down to the Hospice’s car park in early spring. Although this year was different, their presence became the inspiration for a new Hospice’s fundraising initiative – a boost to their Covid-19 Recovery Fund.
As for many, 2020 has been a devastating year for the local end of life charity. All events have been cancelled, twenty-six charity shops and two cafes closed plus the weekly Hospice lottery collections ceased.
St David’s Hospice provide end of life care, free of charge to the local people of Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for many of their loved ones.
In March, the Hospice fundraising team had to find alternative ways to raise funds through the pandemic. Then joys of the Great Goats in town, were immortalised by the Hospice in a bespoke t-shirt design with an Abbey Rd logo.
The t-shirts became a worldwide phenomenon raising over £120,000 for the charity so far!
Six months later, with Christmas just around the corner St David’s Hospice has now launched its festive range of goat merchandise with Christmas jumpers, hoodies and gift ideas for stocking fillers.
The Great Orme Kashmiri goats were originally came to Llandudno when then Lord Mostyn acquired a pair from the Royal Herd as a gift from Queen Victoria. However, instead of utilising the goats for their cashmere, he allowed them to roam free on his Gloddaeth Estate. Eventually they found their way up to the Great Orme, behind the Hospice, where they currently reside.
Margaret Hollings, Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at the Hospice said:
“Our worst fears were met since the Hospice depends upon 84% fundraise income compared to just 16% central funding from the Local Health Board and government.
“Thinking on our feet to find innovative ideas to help raise funds during lockdown came the idea of the Great Orme goat charity tee shirt and we are so grateful for the support the community has shown us.
“We went global! During the most challenging period the Hospice has ever faced, we were able to keep our clinical colleagues on the front line by tapping into current affairs and seizing an opportunity which was right in front of us – in the Hospice carpark!
“The goats have brought a smile to many, and what would be better on Christmas day than to find a smiley Great Orme Goat in your stocking.
Together with the Great Orme Goat T-shirts, the range now includes a variety of clothing including festive Christmas jumpers and Hoodies and stocking filler gifts.
All Great Orme Goat products are available www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/shop.
