What do a BBQ, “Alvin & the Chipmunks” a camp or a band concert all have in common??? – the answer is very simple, it is some of the events that happened in 2009 for Eastleigh Scout District’s nominated charity – Scout Holiday Homes.
District Commissioner, Mr David McGregor, who was appointed in 2008 wanted to make a difference. In 2008 he challenged his District to raise the £300 that Kenyan scouts needed to return home from Uganda after the civil uprising – they raised it in 5 days!!! In 2009 Mr McGregor thought that he should “Shoot for the stars” and set a target of £3,000 for his District to help less abled people and families enjoy a holiday – something that most people take for granted.
The young people of Eastleigh took up the challenge and many events took place over the coming 12 months.
Beaver Scouts held a DVD night watching “Alvin & the Chipmunks” before settling down to their annual sleepover. Groups held BBQ’s throughout the summer months getting parents and friends involved.
2009 was the Centenary year of Eastleigh District, with over 400 campers coming together for a weekend of fun and activities in Mid June. The campers were reminded of the fundraising and all profits of the camp went towards the nominated charity.
As part of the Scout Association challenge “The Big Adventure” Eastleigh Town Centre became a place to remind how Scouting is fun and adventure, a climbing wall was erected for everyone to have a climb – it was a great success with 40 plus young people registering their interest in joining, 5 adults wanting to become leaders/helpers and £100+ being raised towards Scout Holiday Homes.
The year finished off with the 14th Eastleigh Scout Band, The Spitfires, putting on a concert in mid November for friends and leaders.
Scouts of Eastleigh will remember 2009, not only as a year of celebration, but a year when they raised a staggering £2,052.72 for others less fortunate than themselves.
