Uniform swap set up for Otley Scouts and Guides (From Wharfedale Observer)

Uniform swap set up for Otley Scouts and Guides

7:00am Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

A uniform exchange is being set up to help parents kit out their young Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts.

Assistant Guider at Otley Methodist Church Helen Page is asking people to consider donating their children’s used uniforms to help other families who are struggling during the continuing economic downturn.

A mother herself with a daughter preparing to join the Brownies, Mrs Page, of Fowlers Croft, says she appreciates how difficult it is to keep providing new clothes while the cost of living is rising and many people are suffering pay freezes or worse.

She decided to start the exchange after noticing that a number of Brownies had started coming along in casual clothes because they had outgrown their uniform.

“I have got a six-year-old daughter who will start Brownies in October and I know it will be a struggle for me to purchase the uniform, and I know we’re not the only family who are finding things really tough right now,” she said.

“We have received second-hand uniforms in the past and it is a real relief knowing that it’s covered and that the money can go towards other things.”

The exchange, which she hopes to open in September if she receives enough donations, will be available to anyone who needs it, with all details kept confidential.

Although it is normal for uniformed groups to have their own supplies of used kit, Mrs Page says in many cases this has now run low with her own group, Otley Methodist Brownies, currently having no modern uniforms left.

“We hope that every child in Otley who starts in a uniformed group will be given a flier so that they can get in touch,” she said.

“I hope that by doing it this way parents won’t feel embarrassed about asking for help as no-one else – not even their leaders – needs to know.

“We’re hoping to arrange a drop-off point in a town centre shop in the near future, but until then I’m very happy to collect used uniforms.

“Even if people don’t donate uniforms to the exchange, I’d ask them to please consider giving it to their group’s leader to pass on to someone else – it would be much appreciated.”

To find out more or support the exchange e-mail helen.page10@ googlemail.co.uk.