Cub Scouts in Lichfield will be heading off to camp with extra tents so they can all stay under cover after shoppers donated their ‘divi’ money to help out the youngsters.
Customers at the Lichfield Co-op raised £500 by giving up the dividends earned on their purchases which will enable the Lichfield 5th Cubs to buy five new tents for their camp.
Nicky Gilbert, manager of Lichfield Co-op (centre), hands over the Community Dividend Fund cheque to the delighted Cubs
Lichfield Co-op store manager Nicky Gilbert said: “We are part of the Tamworth Co-operative Society which gives thousands of pounds each year to local good causes through the Community Dividend Fund. I’m really pleased that this year we have been able to help the Cubs.”
Pack leader Beth Brown said the windfall could not have come at a better time because the group is growing all the time.
“This is absolutely brilliant for us. It means all the Cubs can go off to camp together now because we’ll have enough tents for everyone. We owe a big thanks to the shoppers and the Co-op for this generous gift.”
The Lichfield 5th Cubs was formed with just eight children five years ago and now has nearly 40 Cub Scouts, aged eight to 10 and a half, who are divided into two packs.
They will be spending two nights at a scout camp in Leicestershire where they will enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including shooting, archery, negotiating an obstacle course, exploring a maze and roasting marshmallows by the campfire.
The tents will also come in handy for another camp being planned for September and a Lichfield district scout trip to Ireland next Easter. As well as outdoor pursuits, the children learn a variety of skills at their weekly meetings in term-time at the Holy Cross Parish Hall in Chapel Lane. Recently the Cubs completed their gardening and entertainer’s badges, putting on a puppet show for the latter.