Scouts offer festivity one tree at a time

TORQUAY’s local scouts group’s biggest annual fundraiser has set up at Spring Creek Reserve.

The 1st Torquay Scout Group’s Christmas Tree Drive is on until December 25, with money raised supporting the club’s activities and equipment.

“This is our 10th year of doing Christmas Trees as a fundraiser for the Scout Group,” Torquay Scouts representative Liz Haines said.

“It’s a great and fun time of year for young people to get involved and one major fundraiser can have benefits over multiple and ongoing smaller fundraisers.”

The number of tree sales is dependent on weather and local weekend events, but Torquay Scout Group is determined to show scouting is strong in its local community.

The group began selling trees in late November and is open three days a week to hand over freshly cut trees to local families.

The site is open Fridays (6pm-7pm), Saturdays (9am-3pm) and Sundays (9am-3pm), or until trees are sold out on that particular day.

Tree pricing is dependent on height, from $10 per foot, with an additional $10 added to the overall charge (for example, a five-foot tree equates to $60).

The group’s various fundraisers are conducted to keep fees low, cover equipment and maintenance costs, and subsidise bigger events including jamborees and longer unit trips.

“We have also been raising funds for the scout groups contribution to our garage renovation and upgrading other parts of the hall to compliment the new garage,” Ms Haines added.

“The storage garage means we can store all our equipment and trailers at the hall and helping our volunteer leaders with time management.”

Torquay Scouts has over 100 youth members across its age sections.

The age of scouts starts at five with Joey Scouts (5-8), through cubs (8-11) and Scouts (11-15) to Venturers, who are 15-18 years.

“We always welcome adults to our leadership team, there are lots of opportunities for adults to be involved and help our young people,” Ms Haines concluded.

“So, whether you are a parent or not, we welcome a breadth of people, provide free training supported by the group and share our passion for youth development in the outdoors.”