Bank of Canton donates $5,000 to Canton Boy Scouts
By Canton CitizenBank of Canton recently donated $5,000 to Friends of Canton Scouting to help fund their purchase of a 2014 Ford E-350 passenger van for local Boy Scout Troop 77.
The new van can transport 15 people and tow the troop’s trailer, which is used to carry equipment necessary for the scouts’ campouts and expeditions, such as tents, stoves, cooking supplies, building materials, and recreational gear.
“The new van solves a huge transportation issue for us,” said Sal Salvatori, assistant scout master and president of Friends of Canton Scouting, Inc. “The cost of renting passenger vans for our monthly campouts had become cost-prohibitive for the troop and some of our families, and even forced us to cancel a few trips.”
“Owning our own van ensures that we can keep expenses down and provide more activities that help build our scouts’ confidence, skills and self-esteem,” continued Salvatori. “We’re very grateful to Bank of Canton and our other generous donors for making this a reality for us.”
Salvatori added that traveling together in the van also helps builds unity and camaraderie among the scouts — much more so than traveling in separate vehicles. It also reduces the environmental impact of the trips by replacing three or four passenger vehicles with just one van.
“These young adults of Troop 77 deserve the opportunity to experience all the challenges and rewards of scouting,” said Stephen P. Costello, president and CEO of Bank of Canton. “Working together on trips and campouts, they learn the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and service to the community. Transportation logistics shouldn’t stand in the way of that. These are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’re proud our contribution can help provide more enriching experiences for them.”
The new van has already taken Troop 77 on several camping trips, and on June 29 it will head to Kensington, Ohio, where several troop members will be participating in summer camps located at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation.
Friends of Canton Scouting, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, providing financial support to Cub Scout Pack 77, Boy Scout Troop 77, and Venturing Crew 77 through a variety of fundraising and collection activities. The group is currently accepting contributions for infrastructure improvements at its site in Orange, Massachusetts. Visit www.gofundme.com/help-friends-of-canton-scouting/ for details.
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