A Stourbridge charity has been granted permission to create an official Black Country version of the classic board game, Monopoly.
The game’s creators, Hasbro, only allow the creation of 3 limited edition versions each year and Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge were chosen to make one for Christmas 2019 after submitting a proposal to use the rare opportunity to pay homage to the Black Country.
On the back of the good news, staff at the Hospice are now taking suggestions for iconic locations that supporters and Black Country residents would like to see immortalised on the board and also inviting companies to sponsor one of the twenty-two individual property squares on the board, with sponsorship also including a personalised “Community Chest” or “Chance” card.
Any companies interested in sponsorship of a square are encouraged to email: charlotte@mshfundraising.co.uk or call the Fundraising team on 01384 377 778 to discuss the remaining packages.
The game will be headline sponsored by global stationery company, Maped Helix, which was established in 1887 in the heart of the Black Country and is now based in Kingswinford.
Lianne Fletcher, Marketing Manager at Maped Helix, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of such an exciting initiative and to be working with our chosen charity on this. It Is wonderful that Mary Stevens Hospice has been given the opportunity to work on such an iconic board game”.
Charlotte Schofield, Head of Fundraising & Lottery, Mary Stevens Hospice said: “This is such a unique and exciting opportunity and we’re beyond grateful that Hasbro liked our idea and have agreed to help us make it a reality.
We’re so, so proud to serve and be a part of this Black Country community and we can’t wait for all of our supporters to see what we come up with.”
The game is expected to go on public sale at the end of November and staff at the Hospice have advised that they will only be able to create a limited number so they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis for £34.99.
Any supporters who are keen to ensure they secure a copy of the game are being encouraged to sign up to the Hospice’s Monopoly waiting list at: www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/black-country-monopoly/.
