MEMBERS of the 3rd Chelsea Air Scout Group are all smiles after a substantial grant from Freemasons Foundation Victoria, along with its own fundraising and support from the Chelsea community, allowed it to raise enough money to buy a new trailer.
Scout leader Paul Villani that about three years ago the group’s trailer, used for Scouting activities including camps, major events and fundraising, was stolen from its storage hall in Carrum.
“This posed a problem for the group as we had to beg and borrow from other groups and districts to be able to have our children’s camp and attend activities that required lots of equipment and gear,” he said.
The group drew up plans for a new trailer to cost $5500, but this could not be covered by the insurance money. So, members rolled up their sleeves and began fundraising while seeking the support of local traders.
Then, a substantial grant from Freemasons Foundation Victoria upped the ante and provided enough money to buy a new trailer.
Signage along the sides of the trailer was going to be very expensive, too.
“We needed to have signage to advertise our group, to provide a bit of security by having a big name on the sides and back, and to thank our supporters,” Mr Villani said.
“Local sign-writers SeeSigns came to our assistance and donated a lot of labour and materials to assist us.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 29 March 2017