Local Explorer Scouts are fundraising for a men's homeless charity in Harrow. 

One of the goals that Explorer Scouts aim to achieve through the Scouting Association is to make a real difference in their local community. But how is this put into practice? The Harrow Index Explorers have been answering this question by working with Firm Foundation, a local charity for the homeless.

"Firm Foundation is a homeless charity for men in Harrow," said Reshma Patel, Deputy District Commissioner for Harrow Scouts. One of the things that Firm Foundation does is give out packs filled with basic hygiene necessities when a homeless person visits their "Food and Shower Drop-in", and they have asked the Index Explorers to focus on sourcing the items to go in these packs.

"We're going to be raising funds for the homeless so we can make up those packs", Commissioner Patel continued.  The Explorers were tasked with sourcing such items in bulk by e-mailing manufacturers, reaching out to family friends, using social media and so on. 

Index also undertook a fundraising event in a local park. They ran a soft-archery game, charging small amounts for children to play and successfully raised "around £250" said Patel.

Looking to the future, the Explorers plan to take part in an sleep-out to raise more for Firm Foundation. "We're going to be doing a fundraising sleepover after Christmas", Patel said. The Explorers will be given £2 to live on for 24 hours. The idea behind the event, explained Patel, is to "spend the night in the freezing cold, so that you can see what it's really like." 

Firm Foundation are an important Charity that do an amazing job in the Harrow community - to donate, volunteer or find out more about them, visit their website at https://firmfoundation.org.