MHA MacIntyre Hudson & The Big Sleuth – A Unkoalified Success!
The latest fundraising campaign in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, The Big Sleuth, has attracted the support of businesses across the city.
One of those is chartered accountants, MHA MacIntyre Hudson.
Partner Chris Barlow explains why the firm decided to get involved.
“I first decided that I’d like MHA MacIntyre Hudson to be involved in The Big Sleuth when I saw a tweet mentioning that plans were being put in place for a trail of bears around the city following the success of the owls two years previously.
“Working in central Birmingham every day, I had seen how successful The Big Hoot had been, not only for raising money for the charity, but for bringing new visitors to the city, and I was delighted my fellow partners agreed that we should take the opportunity to be part of such a unique event.
“It’s so important to us that as part of the Birmingham Business Community, we contribute to the continued health and growth of the city/region, and the Big Sleuth is the perfect opportunity for us to contribute to that, as well as raising much needed funds for the Children’s Hospital.
“Delight in our participation turned to excitement, when I saw plans for the trail, involving over 100 giant bear sculptures – not to mention over 100 additional cub bears designed by schoolchildren throughout the region, as well as satellite trails in other towns across the Midlands.
“It also served to teach me a thing or two. I had no idea that the species of Bear chosen for the trail, the Sun Bear, is the world’s smallest species, and sadly, threatened with extinction, or that the collective noun for a group of bears is a Sleuth! As the saying goes, ‘every day is a school day’.
“It was bigger, bolder and definitely something in which MHA MacIntyre Hudson wanted to be involved. So, having agreed to be a sponsor, I had to choose our design. This turned out to be very easy. When I saw artist Alexandra Hatfield’s vision for ‘Hettie the Heritage Bear’, I knew I’d found the ideal Bear for us. Alexandra has created a wonderful Bear with real character that underscores our roots and commitment to Birmingham and the Black Country.
“The fact that she’s right outside of our office is an added bonus as we can make sure she’s looked after, as well as being able to appreciate a wonderful work of art on a daily basis!”
Pictured at The Big Sleuth preview event at Edgbaston are: Chris Barlow, MHA Partner, Alexandra Hatfield, Artist & Designer of Hettie the Heritage Bear and Joy Douglas, BDM MHA.
