Wrexham Scouts raise over £2,000 for Maelor Voluntary Service

Wrexham Scouts have raised over £2,000 for the Maelor Voluntary Service as a result of selling badges during lockdown.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Scouts were unable to meet face to face with normal programmes being replaced by online sessions on Zoom and activities at home.

One of those activities was a Stay Home Sleepover with boys and girls taking part across Wrexham.

To reward those who took part a special badge was created.

After news spread it was decided to sell the spare badges, with all proceeds going to charity.

It was so popular that another batch of badges had to be ordered and in the end £2,188 was made in profit.

The Scouts decided to donate the money to the Maelor Voluntary Service who are based at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and raise funds to purchase medical equipment.

Commenting on the donation, MVS Chair Jenny Griffiths commented: “To me the work of the Wrexham Scouts shows what is good about our country.

“Young people working to help others. It’s also an example of the love we all have for the NHS.

“MVS and the work of these young people is a reflection of the fact the NHS is the Jewel in the crown.”

David Morris from Wrexham Scouts said: “It seemed only right that money made from our activities during the pandemic went to the very place which was there for those who contracted Coronavirus.

“The Stay Home Sleepover was a massive success with hundreds of young people across Wrexham putting tents up in their garden or building dens inside to sleep in. They did various activities during the virtual camp including a Zoom campfire, scavenger hunt and even an early morning Zoom Zumba session.

“While Scouts continued for most Groups throughout the pandemic, it was still a huge struggle for many and when we met together face to face – first outdoors but then gradually indoors in small numbers – the smiles on everyone’s faces showed how much they’d missed it.

“Our adult volunteers and young leaders were amazing throughout, adapting activities, completing long risk assessments and keeping everyone safe.

The Scouts are still struggling for adult volunteers. While youth numbers bounced right back once they were able to meet again, lots of leaders didn’t come back. For information on volunteering with the Scouts visit wrexhamscouts.org.uk

In 2019 the MVS donated an incredible £215,000 to enable the hospital to buy medical equipment that NHS stretched funds wouldn’t have allowed.