“A lot of children and families were let down by the Wonka event, but this will support our National Play Day event"

The company behind the props at a disastrous Willy Wonka themed children’s event is to donate its takings to a charity in Glasgow. 

Event Prop Hire (EPH) Creative has confirmed it is working with east end of Glasgow charity PEEK - Possibilities for Each and Every Kid - and will provide a donation to the group. 

EPH Creative’s props were at the centre of the botched Willy Wonka experience in February, which made global news. 

TFN has previously unveiled the charity links between Wonka event organiser Billy Coull and local charities. 

Significant concerns have been raised regarding his tenure as CEO of Gowanbank Community Hub in Pollok. 

However, EPH have said they hope to see some positives come out of the event, leading to its work with PEEK. 

Rosie Ellis, director of EPH Creative, said: “PEEK felt like the perfect partner for what we wanted to achieve by donating the value of the House of Illuminati / Willy’s Chocolate Experience prop rental. 

“Not only are PEEK based in Glasgow, they work with disadvantaged children and families, and they also champion play and creativity – which we have so much synergy with here at EPH Creative.    

“A large part of what we do as an organisation is to create event-based immersive spaces and moments of wow – igniting that playful inner child. We’re excited to be able to demonstrate the best of what we can do with PEEK, engaging with children and families at its annual play day, and also assist the charity with its fundraising plans later in the year.  

“PEEK is clearly a fantastic charity who give so much to their local community and connecting with them has been something really positive to come out of the drama of the last few weeks for sure!”

The donation to PEEK will help cover the costs of its National Play Day, set to take place on 31 July at the Crown Point Sports Complex. 

Last year saw 1,900 children and families attend for food, play and fun completely free of charge. 

Started in 2001, PEEK supports children, young people and families in Glasgow through play, creative learning, improved wellbeing and volunteering, children and young people. 

Michaela Collins, CEO of Glasgow charity PEEK, said: “We’ve had calls with EPH figuring each other out. We need to do our due diligence, or for us not to be used in a PR way. But they seem really sound and their values of the company, including what the money will be used for. 

“A lot of children and families were let down by the Wonka event, but their donation will support our National Play Day event. Last year we had 1,900 children and families for food, play and fun free of charge. So the money that EPH charged Billy Coull will be used as a credit for PEEK, by sponsoring our event, which is amazing. 

“This is an open public event, but aimed at the families we work with across the city. Kids that normally benefit from our school holiday club programme, coming along for a family day out. There are lots of activities, a slipping slide, a baby rave tent, and the other thing is to engage with families - normally those who wouldn’t be able to afford things for their children over the holidays. It’s an expensive time to keep your children entertained, never mind fed and watered. 

“I think it’s extremely important. From a charity perspective it’s very difficult at the moment, and we are supporting families through the cost of living crisis. But an opportunity to take a donation after the Wonka experience will provide an opportunity for families, and that’s amazing. The more we can do to put a bit of trust back into charities, the better. Hopefully the families will see that some good will have come from this.”

Other charities are set to benefit from the Wonka farce. The hastily-painted cardboard sign which indicated that the event had been cancelled has raised £840 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. 

The site of the event, Box Hub, had said they wanted to see “some good come from this”. 

Two “original backdrops” which featured at the event are also being auctioned off on eBay, with proceeds going to international charity Medical Aid for Palestinians. Glasgow’s Monorail Music is offering the pair of items, with current bidding now past £750, claiming that a friend of theirs had “rescued these original printed backdrops from the bin”.