'Only too happy to help'

Caravan industry saves the day after thieves rob girl guides

A GROUP of Victorian girl guides will be going to camp this month after all, thanks to the generosity of the caravanning industry.

Broken-hearted members of Oakleigh South Girl Guides in Melbourne were ready to call off their planned camp this month after thieves ransacked their shed and made off with about $3000 worth of tents and equipment.

But the Caravan Industry Association of Australia saved the day by helping to replace everything.

Chief executive Stuart Lamont told Caravanning News his association was happy to help.

"When we heard what had happened, we knew we were in a great place to step in and get their gear replaced," he said.

Getting outside and experiencing the challenges and the joys of camping was a fundamental part of programs like the Girl Guides movement, Mr Lamont explained.

"Now they'll be very well equipped with Coleman tents, as well as other camping necessities.

"We’d also like to thank Dometic who kindly donated several ice-boxes as well," he added.

Group leader Gillian Malin said she could not thank the caravanning industry enough for its kindness.

"We are so grateful for its amazing generosity ... a lot of sausages and biscuits would have had to be sold to replace the equipment."

She said the girls could not wait to use their new equipment at the camp in Dandenong later this month.

* Meanwhile, 90-year-old local and Royal Navy veteran Bert Attwood also donated $2000 to the guides.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE