A new defibrillator has been installed at the Old Shop, Bayble thanks to the fundraising efforts of Cubs and Beavers based in Point. The former 1st Point Cubs and Beavers, now amalgamated with other Lewis packs to form the 1st Lewis Scout Group, raised £2,000 to cover the cost of the defib equipment. The younger Beavers did a sponsored knot tie to raise funds and Cubs ran their own stall at a local craft fair and conducted a beach clean and roadside litter pick from Sgoil an Rubha to Bayble Beach.
Both groups discussed different needs in their community and agreed that because Bayble beach is so well visited by people from all over Lewis and tourists, a defibrillator closer than the one installed at Sgoil an Rubha was a good idea.
Due to the lack of power supply and the prohibitive cost of installing a power supply at the beach itself, the defib has been installed at the Old Shop Bayble, the closest location to the beach.
Scout leader Janet Ross-Jordan said, “It’s very rewarding to see our young people engaged enough in their community to be able to identify a need then commit to doing what it takes to meet that need. The sense of pride they have at being able to provide a defib at a location frequented by so many visitors will be something that stays with them. Scouting is all about developing skills for life and whether it’s personal challenges or cooperative challenges it’s amazing to see young people realise their new achievements, do things they didn’t think they could do and build their resilience.
Janet continued, “We’re very grateful to the Old Shop Bayble for their support in hosting the defib and committing to pay for its ongoing maintenance and spare parts costs. We’re also grateful to Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) who paid for the electrical installation by Ali Macleod Electrical and have committed to paying the ongoing electrical supply costs”. One of the fundraisers, 11-year-old Kate said, “It feels good to have done something that could save someone’s life.”
DJ MacSween, PST General Manager commented, “Everyone at PST has been very impressed by the fundraising efforts and commitment of the Cubs and Beavers to raising the costs of installing a new defib in Bayble. As such we were more than happy to cover the costs of electrical installation of the new defib at the Old Shop Bayble and to use our funds to cover future electricity supply costs. Well done to everyone involved in the project, you’ve done a great job!”
Janet added that the 1st Lewis Scout Group is always looking for new leaders, “To see young people grow in confidence is one of the most worthwhile things a leader gives up their time for. Anyone interested in getting involved and helping young people find their voice can find out more by emailing dcscoutsnaneileansiar@gmail.com”.
Pictured: Scouting Leaders Geoff Matthews, Janet Ross-Jordan, Angela Louch and Catherine Anne Smith of PST pictured with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts L-R: Kate, Lyla, Alice, Zach, Max, Cailean, Donnie, Samuel and Callum.
Photos courtesy of SandiePhotos