By Sandy Stuckless,
242 Ross Ferguson Squadron SSC Secretary
ERIN – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed practically everything about our daily lives. It’s changed the way we work, the way our kids are educated, the way we socially interact with our peers, and the list goes on.
Youth programs, such as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets were not immune to these changes.
Programs were forced to shut down, ending parade nights, weekend FTX exercises, and the fun field trips the cadets had come to look forward to.
Unfortunately, the other significant impact the pandemic has had on the program is fundraising. Cadets, staff, and SSC members are no longer allowed to meet in person to arrange and conduct fundraising events.
Events such as the spring and fall tagging weekends are currently off the table, and the very successful and popular Annual Lasagna Dinner, which was to celebrate its 15th anniversary, sadly had to be cancelled.
Our inability to fundraise has had a significant impact on the quality of programs offered to the cadets.
In our small, rural town of Erin, Tuesday night parade nights were something to look forward to and be excited about. The chance to meet up with peers and be a youth leader within Erin and surrounding areas should not be understated, and I know for a fact our children miss it terribly.
The staff and squadron sponsoring committee has had to think outside of the box a little to ensure our kids get the experience they have come to expect from the Air Cadet program.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of the 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadet Squadron Sponsorship Program.
Individuals and businesses can purchase one of our multi-level sponsorships. Each sponsorship level will have unique rewards, including 242 Ross Ferguson swag!
You will receive advertising space at our parade location at Branch 442 Erin Legion and an invitation to our Annual Ceremonial Review, where you may even get to present an award to deserving cadet!
Each sponsor will also be issued a tax receipt for their contribution.
For more information, visit: https://www.242erinaircadets.com
To enroll, please contact Venus Hood, SSC Chairperson at: ssc242erin@gmail.com
The Erin community has been an invaluable partner to the 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadet Squadron.
The community leadership, businesses and particularly the Branch 442 Erin Legion have been with us every step of the way.
We can’t thank you enough for your support.
