At the end of last year, dark clouds took together above Scouting Erica. They have been using the bush behind the Catholic Church for eighty years. But the church wants to dispose of the site, causing the survival to get into the jail. After two months of actions and collections there is good news. Scouting Erica has enough money to buy the site thanks to an extra support in the back of the municipality of Emmen. “We are very happy with it,” said board member Mark Vinke.
Climbing, scrambling, laughing and shouting. The ‘beavers’ of Scouting Erica have a great time with the climbing net in their bush. And they have a good reason for that exuberant cheerfulness. Shortly before that, alderman Pascal Schrik (Wakker Emmen) from the municipality of Emmen came along with a huge check in size and amount. The municipality contributes 50,000 euros to the goal of the club: the purchase of the one and a half hectare bunch.
With board member Mark Vinke it is almost a reason to cheer. “We have worked very hard with all of us. The scouts have undertaken everything and everything. Such as sponsor running and selling oliebollen.” In just two months, Scouting Erica gathered an amount of 85,000 euros together. “An amazing amount,” says Vinke. “And the municipality is putting on a huge scoop on top.”
With that contribution, the foundation is able to buy the land. Financially it is sufficient, but Vinke is careful. The conversation with the broker is still ongoing and there still have to be some points on the i. But he is confident that this will come to a good end. “It looks rosier anyway than a few months ago,” he laughs.
The municipality did not have to think long about a contribution, according to Alderman Pascal Schrik. “Scouting Erica has been a household name for over eighty years. They play an important social role,” he explains the decision of the college.
At the end of last year, the board rang the bell at the town hall and after a working visit the case was quickly settled. “Many children experience a lot of pleasure here and threatened to get rid of this site. We wanted to prevent that as a municipality and that is why we contribute.”
Despite the good news, Scouting does not yet stop collection. Because the actual target amount is four tons. Vinke explains. “In addition to the purchase of the site, we also want to expand our club building.” Scouting Erica has 170 members and a waiting list of 25 children who want to become a member. “The building is fine, it’s not big enough.”
It will be a long -breath project, but also a necessary wish, says Vinke. The necessary activities are already planned such as a benefit concert in Village House ‘t Schienvat in Erica on 17 May.