Scouts pick up the pace and send aid to the Philippines

Their efforts were in a bid to raise funds to aid disaster struck families in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. Putting organisational skills and team spirit into practice the youngsters worked together to ensure runners were positioned correctly and able to get off to an orderly start on race day. It was then a quick sprint to man water stops, handing out over 3000 bottles of water and bananas during the event and presenting medals to the athletes once they had crossed the finish line.

The hard work certainly paid off as the group were delighted to raise a total of £590, enough to purchase one box from the charity ShelterBox. ShelterBox is a disaster relief organisation that provides rapid response units to families affected by natural or man-made disasters anywhere in the world in the form of boxes containing emergency shelter and lifesaving equipment.

Bethany, a scout from the Beeding and Bramber group said, “I loved helping at the 10k, this year donating our money to the ShelterBox made me stop and realise that many less fortunate people have to walk greater distances to get water. I feel that the shelter box can really benefit people in two ways to help support the needy, and help us become better people”

The content of each big green ShelterBox is tailored specifically to the crisis but typically it will contain emergency supplies to support one family, a tent, blankets, water filtration and storage, cooking utensils, a tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items to help a family survive the aftermath of a disaster.

Mike Barker of ShelterBox said, “We are delighted by the vital fund-raising assistance from 1st Beeding and Bramber Scouts, and indeed from scouts right across the UK over recent years.

This has really contributed enormously to our ability to carry out our vital work abroad”.

Engaging young people in worldwide issues, arming them with the vital skills, encouragement and support to help positively impact and shape communities are values at the core of the scouting movement.

Adult volunteer, Mike said, “it is essential that the youngsters have some support from adults, they require guidance & reassurance but it’s also important that we can stand aside & allow them to complete their task or challenge ahead”

Scouting is always looking for volunteers so if you fancy joining the adventure and helping make positive change then go to; www.scouts.org.uk/join

Report and picture contributed by Rosalie Russell.