An employee from Hampshire Flag Company has played an important role in raising money and awareness for a dynamic South African charity at a special Christmas event.
Mark Allibone, Print Room Manager at the leading flag manufacturing firm, designed eye-catching graphics for a pop-up stand donated by Hampshire Flag to be on display during the Gumboots fundraising event.
The charity, which Mark’s extended family helps to run, is relatively small and works with grass roots projects in the heart of impoverished communities in South Africa providing food, shelter and education. Since Gumboots was founded by Anthony Prangley in 2002, it has raised £180,000.
The 2.2x4m pop-up stand, on display at the event held at Village Underground in Shoreditch, London was designed to encourage the evening’s guests to ask questions about the charity and to provide a clearer picture of its aims. £9,000 was raised during the evening from ticket purchases and donations.
“It’s a privilege to both be involved with Gumboots on a personal level and to use my professional skills to help raise awareness too,” said Mark, who has been part of the Hampshire Flag team of 21 since 2005. “The turnout at the annual event was incredible and the pop-up stand attracted lots of interest and attention.”
As an annual fundraising event, this year’s Gumboots Christmas Celebration featured the world-renowned African Children’s Choir and Ghana drumming group Kakatsitsi.
Chrissy Dransfield, A member of Gumboots’ fundraising team said, “We are delighted with the pop-up stand. It was brilliantly designed and a very contemporary and effective way of communicating what Gumboots does. We are extremely grateful to Mark and to Hampshire Flag for their time, creativity and generosity.”
Hampshire Flag’s team of 21 produces hand-sewn national and international flags and digitally printed banners. The Waterlooville firm also offers a bespoke flag design service, PVC banners, marine flags, bunting, table flags, exhibition graphics and event systems in addition to the supply and installation an extensive range of flagpoles.
Its prestigious portfolio of clients includes Selfridges, the BBC, Channel 4, Portsmouth Football Club, IBM and British Airways. The multi-award winning firm provides on-going support for various charities and expeditions including Action for Kids, Samaritans and for swimmer and environmentalist Lewis Pugh’s on-going feats.
