The Joys of Apple Day

This weekend, 8th Newmarket Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers took part in the annual Apple Day fundraiser.

Friday night, Scouts and Venturers met at Scout Hall, collected apples and set up outside of local grocery stores.

Saturday morning, Beavers and Cubs canvassed the neighbourhood surrounding Maple Leaf Public School.

And today, there are many Newmarket residents feeling good about supporting a worthy cause like Scouts Canada as they enjoy a juicy and delicious apple, given with thanks and a smile.

Today's post about Apple Day is written by Scouter Tim, aka Akela for the 8th Newmarket Cub Pack.

 

The Joys of Apple Day

On Saturday October 13^th, 8^th Newmarket Cubs, Leaders and parents journeyed around the neighbourhood of Maple Leaf Public School knocking on doors early (10 am-ish) and asking people if they wanted to make a donation to support Scouts Canada.  It was a beautiful, cool fall day and our apples were bright and shiny from Scout polishing the previous evening.  It is my second year travelling around as the Akela of the pack and I found myself truly looking forward to the experience of accompanying Cubs (and this year, one Scout),  meeting neighbors and almost always being greeted warmly and given a show of support by some quarters, loonies or on several cases rolled up fives slipped into the tins. 

I started out accompanying one new cub and being the one talking as he stood beside me with the basket and tin and his mother stood curbside with the bigger supply of apples in a travelling grocery cart.  After a slow start with a number of sleeping or empty houses, we got a number of receptive house owners and then the Cub had the hang of it and took over the whole thing with his mother still accompanying him.

I continued door to door with a Scout who was the brother of one of our Cubs and the son of one of our leaders.  We went door to door until about 11:15 am and by then most of our apples had gone and our tins were clanging full with coins with a number of bills stuffed in there as well. It was also starting to get a little cool and it was time to head back.

I think Apple Day is important for a number of reasons.  It is an opportunity for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to feel good about contributing to their program.  At the doors they are almost universally greeted warmly by appreciative people who often immediately know it's “Apple Day” and go to fetch some money and come back with some encouragement.  Some share memories of their own days in Scouts or just smile and send us off with good wishes.  All seemed impressed with the brightly polished apples and a few took an immediate bite and were even more impressed with the crisp fresh taste.  Both Scouts and Leaders come to realize how many people appreciate us and the experiences we provide for youth.  Apple Day is also a time for the community to be reminded about us and to remember we were out there.  Both this year and last year I travelled around for a time with new Cubs and both times the Cubs came away having truly enjoyed the experience.  Looking forward to next year.

Look What's Popped Up!

This week, 8th Newmarket launched our annual Popcorn Fundraiser. We provided all our youth with order forms and sales brochures to show off to friends and family and hopefully make lots of sales!

Did you know that over 60% of all the money raised through this fundraiser stays with Scouting? It's true! That's why Scout Popcorn is our most important fundraiser of the year.

There are many delicious options. Caramel corn, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Microwave Popcorn (a great "Peanut-Free" option for those with allergies) and even Popping Corn for your air popper.

New last year, Scout Popcorn introduced an option to purchase popcorn for members of the Canadian Forces. Sales exceeded $300,000 for members of the Canadian military, both at home and abroad - an entire container shipment of popcorn was sent to our base in Afghanistan. This year, the program has expanded to include gifts of Scout Popcorn to Canadian Forces bases, training facilities, Veteran's hospitals, and Canadian Forces family support centres.

What do we do with the money raised through fundraising efforts like Scout Popcorn? So many things! Just a few examples are purchasing camping equipment (think tents, stoves and cooking gear, lanterns, and so on), buying group supplies like  neckers, woggles, and crests,  and helping to cover the costs of weekly program activities such as craft supplies, outing expenses, and so much more.

Successful fundraising also allowed us to recognize our group's efforts by providing a discounted rate for Fall Camp for returning youth this year. Way to go, 8th Newmarket!

If you have any questions about the Scout Popcorn fundraiser, you can find more information here, or feel free to speak with any of the leaders or Group Committee members.

We thank you for your support...and so do your kids!