Scouts from Epping North and Doreen rolled up their sleeves to help the State Emergency Service (SES)’s Whittlesea unit fill more than 200 sandbags.
Over two hours on Wednesday, October 12, the Scouts filled 205 sandbags, freeing up SES volunteer to work on preparing the unit’s rescue boat and a flood response vehicle.
Whittlesea unit controller Gary Doorbar made the call to Doreen’s assistant Scout Leader Tracey Gordon asking for help.
The support team consisted of 42 volunteers.
“One promise that people in scouting make is to contribute to my community and our world, and that’s exactly what we did without a second thought,” Ms Gordon said.
Epping North Scout Kawsikan, 13, said it’s a Scouts job to look out for the community.
“At first I couldn’t even carry one bag! Then after some time it started to get easier and easier and I got into the routine,” Kawsikan said.
Naomi and Amber, both 12, were happy to help out too, even if it was hard work.
“It could have been me who needed the sandbag, it makes me feel like a better person and it feels good to help others,” Amber said.
Epping North Scouts leader Melinda Di Palma felt rather proud of her Scouts. She said the group’s inital goal as to fill 120-150 bags.
Holly McGuinness
