Beaver Scouts

After spending some time in lockdown, a group of Beavers from 21st Aberdeen Scout Group were determined to help people in need, once they came back to face to face Scouts. Through a well-planned sponsored hike they managed to raise £1,279.28 for Somebody Cares Aberdeen and then went onto organise a food collection for the Somebody Cares foodbank! 

The Beavers adapted to the COVID-19 restrictions at the time by creating and doing a circular hike from the Scout Centre via the Deeside way. Collectively the Beavers managed to clock up a whopping total distance of 212 kilometres altogether and they even earned their Community Impact badge at the same time!

Clara, a Beaver, said "We chose Somebody Cares because it is a charity that goes all around the world to help everybody. My favourite part was picking up litter while playing in the rain because I get to save the world and at the same time help the charity raise money!"

Yesenia Leal, a volunteer with the group explained: “The pandemic has affected everyone, but some groups in society have been particularly hard hit, Somebody Cares Aberdeen helps these people who are otherwise forgotten, when looking for a charity to support it choosing this one was a natural choice.”

Alison Topley of Somebody Cares Aberdeen commented “The money raised by the Beavers will be used to help many families within Aberdeen who are finding life a struggle at the moment. We will be able to buy food for our food bank and also help fund our free furniture service for clients who have been made homeless. We are extremely grateful and proud of the Beavers for their hard work, thought and compassion. They should be very proud of themselves and the difference they have made within our community.”

Some members of 2nd Elgin Scout Group took on the challenge to raise money for homeless veterans across the UK as they made their own shelters for a sleep-out challenge. 16 members including young people, volunteers and some keen parents took part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, run by Royal British Legion Industries, throughout March.

Their original goal was to raise £150 through a JustGiving Fundraiser page but they soon knocked that figure out of the park, with a whopping £470 donated to the charity! The group took to the challenge after one of the local volunteers, Lee Kirkpatrick, was inspired after hearing one of his friends had recently completed the challenge with his family.

He thought it would be a great way to engage the Scouts online and keep them going through a difficult time, while also making a difference to a worthwhile cause. The money raised will enable RBLI’s continued support of veterans, more specifically for those with disabilities and those veterans who face issues with homelessness.

Many of the people they support, unfortunately, are living in precarious housing, or are ‘sofa surfing’, as a result of breakdowns in family relations or financial difficulties after returning to civilian life. RBLI also supports veterans who struggle with a range of other issues such as those living with physical disabilities and mental health conditions.

Lee said the youngsters were eager to get involved from the get-go, so they could do their bit to support other people alongside some enthusiastic parents joining in the fun by sleeping outside with the young people on the mild nights. Lee added that: "The challenge to the Scouts was simple; it's cold, it's dark, it's wet. Can you last the night and help homeless ex-servicemen and women?"

On top of their amazing fundraising achievement, 2^nd Elgin Scout Group have continued to deliver fun and excitement of Scouting activities through young people’s computer screens over the lockdown. Through local volunteers keeping it going, this support has helped young people’s wellbeing during the pandemic, by delivering some action packed virtual activities.

There is now light at the end of the tunnel, following updated guidance from the Scottish Government and Youthlink, with the Scout Movement announcing a return to face to face activities.

To begin with, this will be held at outdoors with a greatly reduced capacity, as Scout Groups across Scotland will follow a gradual phrased return to a form of normality. 2nd Elgin Scout Group look forward to resuming their own activities after the Easeter holidays.

Although the original fundraiser from the Elgin Scouts is now closed due to JustGiving rules, you may still donate to the Royal British Legion Industries if you wish on their webpage.