A Flippin Fabulous Purchase

Attending a Charity Auction is always exciting, but winning a bid takes it to a whole new level! This Autumn, our CEO, Matt Baker, and Executive Assistant and Integration Lead, Ella Jones attended the Waddle of Worcester Charity Auction which raised an amazing £330,000.00 for St. Richard’s Hospice. Not only did we support an incredible cause, we also walked away with the beautiful Kingfisher Azure, a sculpture that will remain part of the Compco Fire Systems family for years to come.

The Story Of The Waddle Earlier this year, St. Richard’s Hospice transformed Worcester into the ‘Great Waddle!’ The Wild in Art Penguin Trail slid into the hearts and camera rolls of families up and down the United Kingdom from July to September, concluding in October with a Charity Auction raising vital funds for the Hospice.

From the moment we arrived at the Waddle of Worcester Charity Auction in Hartlebury, the atmosphere was contagious. Fellow bidders from across Worcestershire were excitedly viewing the 41 stunning fibreglass sculptures and making plans on what to bid for. At Compco Fire Systems, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about contributing to something bigger. St. Richard’s Hospice is a charity that is extremely close to our hearts. Providing exceptional care, compassion, and commitment, our late Managing Director, John Sinclair, spent his final days in St. Richard’s Hospice.

The Penguin Finds Its Flock After some friendly bidding competition, we were ecstatic to secure a new feathered friend for a respectable £8,500!

Kingfisher Azure has been designed by Tori, a Freelance Illustrator from Norfolk. Tori’s art process dives into two worlds: contemporary illustration and traditional watercolour wildlife paintings.

This purchase was truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity that we wouldn’t have found elsewhere. For Tori, the Waddle of Worcester offered an exciting opportunity to have their work showcased to a mass audience in a truly unique way.

Unfortunately, for Kingfisher Azure, he was one of the Penguins vandalised throughout the Wild in Art Trail. Kingfisher Azure was temporarily removed from the trail after being found floating in the River Severn.

“We are located close to the riverside where the beautiful Kingfisher Azure was sadly vandalised and thrown into the river. We wanted to bring him home to his rightful place by the river where he can live happily forever.” Says our CEO, Matt Baker.

Now happily settled at our Worcester Head Office, we are delighted to reveal we have named our Kingfisher, Allin!

Allin isn’t just a charming addition to our space; he is a reminder of our purpose as a business - protecting lives and property.

Allin is an Old English Name which means noble friend or noble friend of all. The name Allin signifies someone friendly, and well-liked, reflecting qualities of loyalty and companionship.

This name embodies our core values of Favoured, Commitment, and Belonging. We believe that names matter, and this one reflects our dedication to making a difference.

Allin serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of giving back. It has already brought so much joy, and we’re confident it will be a conversation starter for everyone who visits us in Worcester.

Showing Our Support

Our experience at the Waddle of Worcester Charity Auction reminded us of the incredible power of community and giving. By bidding on something special, we not only scored a beautiful sculpture but supported a cause we believe in.

“Being a local business, employing 250 people, many of our team’s lives have been or will be touched by the work of the Hospice.” Continued our CEO, Matt Baker.

Thank you, DRPG for hosting such a fantastic Charity Auction, and thank you to everyone who participated. Let’s keep the spirit of generosity going; there’s always another chance to give back with the range of creative fundraising ideas from the team at St. Richard’s Hospice!

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