Sleepy scouts boost charity coffers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Sleepy scouts boost charity coffers

10:00am Thursday 21st June 2012 in Chippenham

The opportunity to fundraise for UNICEF while having a snooze was too good an opportunity for 10th Chippenham Scout Group last weekend.

Scouts took part in the ‘great sleepover’ for the charity, with all the money raised going to provide mosquito nets for children living in malarial areas.

The event attracted much support from the warm-hearted youngsters, with 20 Cubs and Scouts from the 10th troupe, five leaders and even a Beaver from Corsham taking part in the challenge.

Troupe leader Chris Jones said the sleepover had raised a fantastic amount for the charity.

He said: “Each net costs £4 and we raised around £100, although I’m waiting to confirm the final figure. A child dies every 30 seconds from malaria in the developing world, so we hope that with the funds we have raised we will make a difference to at least 25 children’s lives.

“We also used the opportunity for the children to learn about what life was like living on streets with no money. They had to complete a variety of tasks to earn food, matches and cooking equipment.”

The Scouts also cooked over open fires and built a shelter to stay in for the night.

Mr Jones said that by taking part, the Cubs and Scouts earned their Global Challenge Activity award.