Campaign to upgrade scout den gathers pace
EFFORTS to upgrade the scout den at South Quay are gaining traction, with two fundraisers organised for the coming weeks.
The den dates back to the 1960s and was originally built through local community support for a ‘build a brick’ fundraising campaign.
The den now needs a significant upgrade in order to comply with Fire Safety Standards. Necessary works include the installation of a fire detection and alarm system, fire-proof plaster boarding and six fireproof doors, each costing €250.
Fiona Byrne, Group Leader at 7 th Wicklow Scout Troop, said of the campaign drive so far: ‘Things have been going really well and we have been receiving support from local businesses. But we are still pushing on and need some extra support too.’
An afternoon tea fundraiser takes place in Tinakilly Country House on Sunday, October 27, from 2 p.m. Tickets cost €25 and can be purchased from Track One in Wicklow town.
A clothes collection takes place at the scout den on Saturday, November 2. Any unwanted clothes can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Businesses which have so far donated to the ‘Donate a Door’ fundraiser include Burke Oil, Dooley Poynton Auctioneers, Conway Port, McAulay Rice Architects, Sinnott Auto, Alphaplan Design, Fergal O’Dwyer Pharmacy, The Lighthouse Restaurant, Escape Boutique, Greystones, Wicklow Hire, Tony’s Garage Wicklow town and Sheridan Colahan. Private donations have also been received.
‘To complete the fire proofing to the Scout Den we still have over €10,000 to raise,’ said Fiona.
‘It’s a large sum of money but we believe its achievable as the benefits scouting has on the young people now and in the future makes this fundraising drive worthwhile,’ she said.