Scouts send help to typhoon victims

BEEDING and Bramber Scouts helped at home and abroad for their Global Challenge badge.
Chloe Coleman presents the £590 cheque to ShelterBox volunteer Mike BarkerChloe Coleman presents the £590 cheque to ShelterBox volunteer Mike Barker
Chloe Coleman presents the £590 cheque to ShelterBox volunteer Mike Barker

Young people from 1st Beeding and Bramber Scout Group helped with marshalling at the Brighton 10k road race, as well as handing out water and bananas to those taking part.

They then decided the money they raised should be used to help others and agreed to fund a ShelterBox to be sent to victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

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Scout leader Stuart Stevens said: “They themselves decided not to keep the money, but very kindly want to buy a shelter box to help the people of the Philippines.”

1st Beeding and Bramber Scouts with some of the items from the shelter box1st Beeding and Bramber Scouts with some of the items from the shelter box
1st Beeding and Bramber Scouts with some of the items from the shelter box

ShelterBox volunteer Mike Barker visited their HQ, in Henfield Road, Small Dole, last Thursday, to explain more about ShelterBox.

He said: “We are in the business of getting there fast, being the first on the scene.”

The boxes, filled with immediate essentials, are designed to provide basic shelter for a family.

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He was asked by Taylor Grigg, 12, what they were thanked for the most and said the tents were really popular.

“Some families are still living in them three years later,” he added.

The next most popular item was the water filtration kit, which hangs on the porch of the tent.

Mr Barker told the Scouts: “It will give a family clean drinking water for three years.

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“People will survive a couple of weeks without any significant food to eat but what you won’t survive without is clean water. You need clean water very quickly.”

Taylor also asked what could be done with the boxes once they are empty and, with Mr Barker’s help, the Scouts came up with a list including storing water, a bed for young children, food storage, a raft, fishing boat, table, or ladder.

Chloe Coleman, 11, presented Mr Barker with a cheque for £590, which will pay for one ShelterBox, including transport.

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