09 Nov 2023
Disabled scouts in Glasgow can now go on camp trips to their lodge for the first time in four years after a leading Glasgow firm Allied Mobility completed the final piece in their redevelopment puzzle through its charity arm.
The 77th Glasgow Disabled Scouts Troop has spent almost 10 years – and £450,000, which they raised themselves – redeveloping Glengoyne Lodge at Auchengillan to make it accessible to everyone.
Their refurbished lodge – originally built in 1977 – was officially opened in summer, but they had a problem in that the beds were old, threadbare and uncomfortable.
Around 90 young people aged between six and 25 across Glasgow used the lodge, but it had become less accessible over the years.
“Our mission is to empower these young individuals through outdoor experiences that promote inclusivity, personal growth, and skill development,” said Scout Leader Daniel McCallum.
“However, we were not able to replace the beds in our lodge as part of this redevelopment process and they are no longer suitable for meeting the comfort and accessibility requirements of our camp participants. We are therefore unable to undertake our planned weekend camps this year until these beds are replaced.”
Daniel lived up to the Scouts motto and prepared an application to Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to replace what they had with new wooden beds, bunks and mattresses at a cost of £6,921.
The Trust committee unanimously agreed to support the scouts with the full amount, prompting Daniel to respond: “We’re thrilled and deeply appreciative of the support provided by AVCT.
“The beds are the final piece of the puzzle in the lodge redevelopment project which has been a labour of dedication and commitment for all the volunteers involved over the years, and were delighted to have the beds in place and to begin hosting camps from the lodge again.
“With this funding now in place we are able to go ahead with our planned weekend camps for this term – the first in four years.
“This support will allow us to offer disabled children and young people access to true scout camp experiences for years to come.”
David Facenna, Allied Vehicles Corporate Culture Director, added: “These young Scouts have done an amazing fundraising job over the past decade and we decided immediately to give them the remainder of what they needed.
“Our company’s core purpose is we move people and make a difference to their lives and I hope this donation helps make a difference to the lives of the 77th Glasgow Disabled Scouts Troop.”
Pictured:
A group of the 77th Glasgow Disabled Scouts Troop at Glengoyne Lodge
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David Facenna, Allied Vehicles Corporate Culture Director
