Endangered Scout Centre Receives £10,000 from anonymous donor
Annette Mackenzie and Barbara Murray, who are longstanding members of a small team of volunteers who help support the centre, decided something urgent had to be done if the work of the centre was not to come to a halt, and so they set up a fundraising page online.
The pair were said to be delighted to receive the £10,000 donation and hope that the great start to their campaign will continue.
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Hide AdSo far, fundraising efforts have gathered almost £15,000 for a £20,000 target.
But organisers say they hope to smash the £20,000 mark and go beyond what they had initially envisaged after the extremely generous donation they were given.
Barbara said: “Following on from the devastating impact of Coronavirus, we felt we had to do something to address the issues around our inability to traditionally fundraise, and we hope that anyone who can will donate to support this wonderful Centre.”
The Centre, which provides camping and activity opportunities for hundreds of local youngsters as well as those from other parts of Scotland and abroad, faced potential permanent closure when Covid 19 shut it down back in March
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Hide AdOver the Summer they would normally have welcomed youth groups to use the site which is perfect for learning skills such as fire building, climbing, tracking, hiking, first aid, cooking and camping skills like tent pitching.
Income from those renting the site would normally go into renovating the chalet amongst other needs.
This has been exacerbated by Scout troops being unable to take part in fundraising activities such as bag packing at local supermarkets amongst other activities.
Tom Chalmers, South Morningside Explorer Scout Unit, said: “Going to Bonaly as a kid was an amazing adventure and a great way to explore the outdoors and learn valuable skills for life.
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Hide Ad“Now helping young people enjoy the same experience, gain the same skills and connect with the outdoors has been really rewarding and Bonaly is vitally important in enabling young people to achieve that."
At the moment the situation is not drastic but volunteers for the Centre have stated that the longer the lockdown goes on then the greater the risk of permanent closure grows.
Scott Arthur, Councillor for Oxgangs, Colinton and Fairmilehead, said: “Since 1931 Bonaly Scout Centre has welcomed young people from the local, national and international Scouting movement. Kids like mine have benefited from the outdoor setting, and learnt skills that will last a lifetime.
“If people are able, I hope they will help ensure it can continue to welcome Scouts of all ages for many years to come. It’s truly humbling to see this substantial donation being made, but I am not entirely surprised as several generations of some families have benefited over many decades from the unparalleled experience that the Bonaly Scout Centre provides.”Anyone wishing to donate can do so by following this link.