The Collingwood Girl Guides are hopping on a plane to Iceland in 2024, and they’re looking for a little extra help to get there.
During council’s committee of the whole meeting on Nov. 20, Collingwood Girl Guide leader Jessica Maitland came before councillors asking for $13,000 to help supplement some of the costs associated with the trip.
About 10 girls in attendance shared how they’ve given back to the community through the Girl Guides program, from learning about the work of the Mobile Soup Kitchen, reading to the elderly and volunteering at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, each one outlined their personal passion projects.
The troop has done various fundraisers since coming up with the trip plans. They expect the full trip to cost $50,000, with all 16 travellers expected to chip in $760 and about $20,000 raised through their fundraisers. The group is expecting to raise another $5,000 through further fundraising and are asking council for $13,000 to make up the rest.
In exchange, the Collingwood Girl Guides will provide acknowledgement to the town through their social media, include town logos on their travel apparel and provide a post-trip presentation to council upon their return.
Coun. Chris Potts asked how frequently the Collingwood Girl Guides travel.
“Is this like once-in-a-lifetime? Or every one to two years?” he asked.
Maitland said it isn’t a very common occurrence and depends on how much the group leadership wants to take on.
“I think we should acknowledge that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I wish I could have done,” said Potts.
Following their presentation, Potts put forward notice of a motion to give the group $13,000 for their trip. The motion will be considered at the next regular meeting of council on Dec. 2.
