With Scouts Victoria waiving fees until March 2021 the club is relying on its annual raffle to keep running.
Scout Group Leader Jenny Wapling said under government restrictions a raffle was easier said than done.
“Scouts Victoria have actually decided that they won't be charging fees until march next year,” Ms Wapling said.
Jenny Milner – Marsha Watson Pharmacy adapts for pandemic
“And between that and our fundraising activities, it is where we get our funding to run the group.
“We have to pay a levy to Scouts Victoria to cover our insurance and stuff like that.
“We pay a fee per child and with around 80 on our books we need to come up with a way to raise that.
“So fundraising is the only option.”
Benalla girl named best at TAFE same week she said yes to fiance
And with social distancing rules, running things like raffles is not as simple as they might normally be.
“We can't meet with people face-to-face,” Ms Wapling said.
“So we are asking people to contact us via Facebook, or to call me on 0428 590 606, and I can arrange payment and drop tickets off.”
While the annual raffle is a statewide initiative, all funds raised in Benalla go to the Benalla Scout Group.
Locals identify bats as Grey Headed Flying Foxes
And with some spectacular prizes on offer it is well worth putting your name in the hat.
“First prize is a Holden Trax worth $30 000,” Ms Wapling said.
“Second prize is a family holiday on the Gold Coast with five nights accommodation worth nearly $3000.
“Third prize is seven nights accommodation in the Whitsundays valued at $1600.
Edna Green celebrates 90th at home in Benalla
“And there are 100 more prizes on top of those.”
With many organisation taking a break during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Benalla Scout Group has managed to keep running.
“We are actually still meeting online,” Ms Wapling said.
“Each section is meeting every week as usual, just online via video chat.
“For example, the Joeys, the five to eight year olds, get online to talk to their leader, and they thinkg it's great.
The big fish smoked ‘em
“And the leaders are very inventive and have come up with a few programs they can do without meeting in a group.
“Last night they had a dress-up night and every one dressed up in front of their computers.
“Another day we had a pet parade. Which was great as the pets were at home, not at the scout hall.
“This week our program includes Anzac Day.
Best Battles: Wayward Saints hold off roaring Lions
“We made poppies and all the scouts have been asked to get into uniform and go to then end of their drive at dawn Saturday.
“We also set online activities, such as challenges during the week, and they can still earn their badges.”
Raffle tickets cost just $2 and entries are open until August 7, with the prize draw taking place on September 4.
● To buy your tickets, or if you are interested in your children joining, phone Jenny on 0428 590 606, or contact the group via Facebook @Benalla Scout Group.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
10°C