Donation deadline for scout hut looms
A scout group from Wolverhampton is appealing for donations towards a new hut.
The 1st Finchfield Scout Group has already raised more than £8,000 towards its target of £11,692, but has issued a plea for help finding the remaining funds before a deadline of February 5.
Its Merry Hill base is 43 years old and has seen thousands of young people in Wolverhampton walk through its doors to attend beavers, cubs, scouts and learn to become young leaders.
The now outdated wooden structure, which was built in 1976, needs replacing.
Karen Whale, group scout leader, said: "We have been so busy doing lots of fundraising activities such as a Christmas party and carol service, breakfast with Santa, a popcorn night and clothes weigh-in.
"We've been collecting in local businesses and have had some fantastic support from parents and these businesses who have already pledged.
"We need help to get us over the line. With only a few days to go, every pound really does help."
The team of scouts has worked tirelessly to get funding for the initial phase of the project which covered planning and architect's fees.
Sam McBride, assistant Beaver leader, said: "I was a scout here in 1990 and it really helped me work with others in a team and develop my leadership skills.
"While the scout hut holds treasured memories for many, young and old, it is time to look forward to making new memories in a building fit for purpose for the generations to come.
"We want more children to benefit from scouting and the experiences it can offer, including those with special needs and disabilities.
“Our dream is for a new two storey brick-built scout hut to provide a safe, secure space as a hub for the community."
The Merry Hill scouting DIY SOS project saw the project reach 50 per cent of its fundraising target last week , which released £2,336 of funding from Wolverhampton Council Funding through Crowdfund Wolves, pushing it up to 70 per cent.
Councillor Harman Banger, Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city economy, said: "Through Crowdfund Wolves we are helping connect people, ideas and support to enable city residents to turn ideas into reality and shape Wolverhampton’s future.
"We want to tap into the passion and unearth more of the local talent, innovation and creativity we know exists in the city."
The project must reach its target by the deadline to secure the funding from all of its backers.
Donations can be made from as little as £2 at https://www.spacehive.com/scout
