GUIDES and Brownies said a thank you "as big as the whole world" after the community offered more than 20 tents and thousands of pounds to replace their stolen camping equipment.
Eighty young girls were left devastated last week when it looked as though they couldn't attend the annual Poachers camping event in Lincolnshire after thieves stole 24 tents, gas cookers, two gazebos, mallets and other equipment.
However, the response from the community has been "totally overwhelming", according to Allison Wood, divisional commissioner for Girlguiding in Cleethorpes – who has struggled to keep track of all the offers of help.
And all these kind offers have not gone unnoticed by the very girls that benefit – who are now going to the Poachers weekend at Lincolnshire Showground in June, where they host a Guide group from New Hampshire, USA.
Crystal Wesley, 8, said: "I want to say a big thank you – as big as the whole wide world."
"What they are going to do with 20 tents is something I'll never know."
Lauren Wharton, 9, said: "Thank you for all the money and donations which mean that we can go to the Poachers."
Allison said: "We were blown away by the support which means we are going camping again and the thieves haven't won."
Offers came from as far away as Devon, where a Guide group offered five tents, which has now formed a link between the two divisions, that leaders hope will lead to trips to meet each other.
The Grimsby, Cleethorpes Lions Club is the latest group to offer support, handing over £500 after calling an emergency meeting because their local group was in trouble.
Colin Deans, first vice-
president, said: "It was very emotive and we are all old enough to have friends and relatives that have gone through the Guides so know just how positive an influence they have on many young people."
More than 20 tents have been offered to the group – including one which was left at their base in Sandringham Road.
Another anonymous benefactor donated £8,500 after it emerged that the original £5,000 estimated to replace the equipment would not be enough.
