Suffolk Libraries has launched its next major fundraising campaign for 2024 working with Spadge Hopkins, one of the featured artists from last year’s successful PAWS-itivity fundraiser.
‘Make a Difference with a Daisy’ focuses on the humble daisy as a symbol of resilience and positivity. The aim is to create a giant daisy chain installation, featuring hundreds of individual metal daisies representing the joined-up network of libraries and the Suffolk communities they connect.
The metal daisies will all be based on artworks by Suffolk-based artist Spadge Hopkins who specialises in metal sculptures and created several dog-themed designs for Suffolk Libraries’ PAWS-itivity campaign last year. Spadge also designed the trail of cormorant sculptures alongside the River Deben at Woodbridge.
Spadge said:
“I was really pleased to be involved as an artist in last year’s Pawsitivity campaign, raising money for Suffolk Libraries, as childhood bicycle rides to my local village and town libraries were an incredibly positive part of growing up. I can still picture both places clearly and I even remember some of the books that I borrowed and authors I met.
"More recently I’ve also supported and benefitted from the wonderful community work and library services available via the Framlingham Library so when it was suggested I help with the Daisy campaign I was delighted to oblige. I have always enjoyed installation work such as my Cormorants along the River Deben at Woodbridge as well as making accessible and unique work so this amazing project ticks both of those boxes.”
The daisy chain installation will be on display at the Food Museum in Stowmarket during the summer and will grow in size as donors come forward to support the campaign. All donations are welcome but any individual donating at least £50 will receive one of the metal daisies from the installation along with a certificate of authenticity. Local groups and businesses can also get involved by making minimum donations of £500 and having their name engraved on larger daisies also designed by Spadge.
Make a Difference with a Daisy is being sponsored by SmartestEnergy, an Ipswich-based people-powered energy company empowering customers, generators and partners to get to net zero. Their team of charity ambassadors are thinking up all sorts of ways that they can raise additional funds for Suffolk Libraries work as a charity across Suffolk's communities.
Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said:
“Daisies, like our libraries, are a symbol of positivity which thrive in the most challenging of conditions and environments but still bring joy to many. I’m looking forward to seeing how the theme of daisies inspires people to get involved with our latest campaign. Everyone really can Make a Difference with a Daisy by supporting the work of Suffolk Libraries in connecting communities, tackling isolation and improving wellbeing across the county. We’re very grateful to our main sponsors SmartestEnergy for their support for our campaign this year.”
Sam Polson - Deputy Vice President of Operations at SmartestEnergy, added:
“We at SmartestEnergy are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Suffolk Libraries as sponsor of their inspiring campaign, 'Make a difference with a daisy!' Just like the resilient daisy, we believe in the power of positivity and connectivity, and we're eager to support Suffolk Libraries in fostering communities and making a meaningful impact. Together, let's bloom and thrive in the toughest conditions, shaping a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to resilience and community empowerment.
Each of Suffolk's libraries will be getting involved in different ways to raise funds and the many Knit and Natter groups that meet at the libraries are creating hundreds of daisies that can be worn on your lapel to show your support in return for a donation.
You can find out information about Make a Difference with a Daisy and how to donate at suffolklibraries.co.uk/daisy or by emailing Alex Downing, Suffolk Libraries Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, at alex.downing@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
