Shelterbox and Scouting

imageI was reading this post by Scouter Doug in which he talks about donating to Shelterbox. This is an organisation that “provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most”. And they send all the stuff needed in a box! This is of course a time when such items are needed in Japan.

I was going to make a donation through Doug’s FirstGiving page, but didn’t when I realised I’d heard of them before and that they are actually an organisation based in Cornwall (one of my favourite parts of the country. And I’m not saying that because my Aunty is Cornish!). So I checked out their site and gave some money (it’s better for me donating in the UK as they can get Gift Aid which means free money from the Tax Man – sorry Doug. USA people please use Doug’s link).

On the menu list the bit that said ‘Scout Association’ caught my eye. It appears that since 2009 the SA and Shelterbox have been in partnership (this has, I’m embarrassed to say, passed me by) to engage Scouts of all ages about the needs of disaster relief. As well as Scouts raising money they work with Scouts across the world to help deliver the relief. You can read more here.

But, importantly, it’s not just the UK Scout Association they work with, it’s the BSA as well – see here (although they do seem to have our logo on the top of the page and not the BSA!).

So please give a donation to this worthy cause and take a look at the various Scouting resources and maybe think about what your Beavers, Cubs and / or Scouts can do to help. I will be mentioning this to my Group’s Leaders.

Slight aside: Scouter Doug and many other BSA Leaders (Jerry, Shawn & Steve to name but a few) are marking the BSA’s 100 Days of Scouting, by making a Scouting based post every day for 100 days. I’m very impressed at their dedication and the ability to write that much! So please take a look at the blogs and be inspired!