By Megan, Bella, Leah, Louise and Maddalena – Young Leaders and Leaders in Training
Most people have heard of Girlguiding and seen Guides at certain events, but what do Guides do for the community?
Since 1910, when Guiding began, the girls have helped local and national communities. This was seen especially during the world wars, when Guides across the nation collected cotton reels, which helped save lives and rescue prisoners of war. The Guides also laid a mile of pennies along the main road between Coulsdon and Purley to raise money for a Spitfire aircraft and later they raised enough money to buy two air ambulances.
Guides can still be seen in the community today. They are especially prominent in the month of November when they help sell poppies and march in Remembrance Day parades. This is in fact one of the few times of the year that Guides can parade. Another parade the Guides took part in this year is the Lord Mayor’s Show, which took place on 9 November. Here, the Guides could be seen with rainbow and red flags that looked like a campfire. They were alongside other organisations, ranging from Scouts to blacksmiths to emergency services and many more.
Guides are also spotted frequently in the community around Christmas time, and 9th Caterham Guides has previously helped pack people’s shopping bags to raise money for charity. Other units have helped out with the shoebox appeal and many help at local Christmas fairs and sing to the elderly in care homes.
Throughout the rest of the year, Girlguiding provides a safe space for girls in the community where they can connect with other like-minded people, find their voice, express themselves and make lifelong friends. When each girl joins, they promise to ‘serve the King and their community’, which is why Guides are often seen helping people or charities throughout the year.
This is just a small flavour of what the Guides do and how they support local and national causes and events.
Find out more at Girlguiding.
