1st Forres Scout Group's Christmas post and games weekend at Mackenzie and Cruikshank raised £2780 for activities and maintenance
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FORRES’ annual voluntary postal service delivered around 3000 cards in December, generating nearly £1400 for the organisers.
1st Forres Scouts secretary Louise Berry confirmed children from the group and adult volunteers picked up, sorted and delivered the Christmas cards, posted at collection points in the town’s shops and community centre.
She said: “We had support from volunteers and we managed to get every card to its destination. The work is divided so there is help at the sorts and/or delivery. Our Scout leaders put out, empty and collect the post boxes. Our young Beavers help at sorts, while the Cubs and Scouts deliver. The Explorer section helps too!”
The Scouts also raised £1380 over a festive weekend at Mackenzie and Cruikshank, hosting a hampers raffle, a mystery treasure map game and selling crafts.
Mrs Berry said: “A fantastic array of donations for 17 hampers were donated by the parents/carers of our young people after we provided them with a list of suggested festive treats. The children made decorations from sparkly pipe cleaners and the Scouts made paracord keyrings to sell - there was also a demonstration of how to make them, enabling us to sell kits too. Players chose three grid references on our treasure map and at the end of the weekend the winning reference won a large box of chocolates.”
She added: “We are always very grateful for the support given to us by the community in Forres.”
Some of the money raised from the post and festival weekend went towards a trip to ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at Eden Court.
“Accompanied by leaders, a group of 40 children from across the sections attended the afternoon performance,” said Mrs Berry. “They thoroughly enjoyed themselves!”
The remainder of the funds will go towards repairing and renewing the Scout kit.
“It has to meet specific standards,” explained Mrs Berry, “so upkeep, replacement and maintenance of items - including tents, gas stoves, first aid kits, our minibus and trailers - is an ongoing task. “
1st Forres Scouts have a busy year ahead with camps and more fundraising events such as their annual sponsored duck race. They will also be taking part in the ‘Quest 79’ cycle and kayak from Fort William to Inverness via the Great Glen Way, then the Remembrance parade later in the year.
Mrs Berry finished: “We will keep helping the community while providing our youngsters with the best experiences we can!”
