Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne, Group Scout Leader of 1st Fressingfield Scout Group has been recognised by the Suffolk Community Awards Committee, being voted “Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering”. Andrew received the award at a celebration event at the Museum of East Anglian Rural Life, Stowmarket on Tuesday evening.
Andrew commented after receiving the award:
“I am very grateful and honoured to receive this reward and publicly thank the dozens of other adult volunteers that support our excellent Scout Group.”
“Scouting is more than just campfires and woggles – modern scouting provides a framework to develop global citizens, in a time of doubt and division – scouting provides hope and friendship across communities, locally and globally. Our movement tackle issues that affect our society from the obesity crisis to combating the threat of County-Line drug gangs. Through fellowship, friendship and fun, developing skills 4 life in the next generation.”
“I am immensely proud of what my team and the young people of 1st Fressingfield Scout Group have achieved, at a time where access to youth provision has reduced by over 40% our Scout Group offers opportunity and fun to almost 200 young people and adult volunteers.”
“But even a strong a successful Scout Group, like ours is under threat, lacking funds and more crucially the modern and safe facilities that we need to operate our youth provision. 1st Fressingfield Scout Group have for the past five years been working towards an ambitious project to provide a new Scout Hall for our members – we have raised over £90,000 but much more is required to secure our provision going forward. I would like to take this opportunity to invite, no, urge, our community, businesses and local government to support our campaign to secure the facilities that our young people deserve”