A Sea Cadets unit in Brighton has issued an urgent appeal for all hands to help raise £11,000 to stave off the risk of closure.
The unit said that it was “facing a critical challenge that threatens its ability to operate” because of problems with the doors at its base, off Lewes Road. They need to be replaced at a cost of £11,000.
It said: “Without the immediate replacement of these doors, the unit may be forced to look at a temporary closure until the repairs are completed, disrupting the vital training and support provided to dozens of local cadets.
“A comprehensive quote for the replacement works has been received, totalling £11,000. As a non-profit youth organization, these funds are unfortunately beyond the unit’s current operating budget.
“To address this, the Brighton unit is launching an urgent public appeal to raise the necessary funds to replace the doors and keep their facility open.”
Lieutenant Commander Angela Reeves, the unit’s commanding officer, said: “These doors are more than just an entrance. They are essential for the security and daily operation of our building.
“If we cannot raise these funds, we face the heartbreaking reality of a temporary closure which would be devastating for our cadets who rely on the unit for discipline, teamwork and critical skills.
“We are appealing to the Brighton community, local businesses and anyone passionate about youth development to help us in our time of need.”
A crowdfunder was set up on the Just Giving website with an initial target of £5,000 – before the scale of the need was known. Replacing the doors is just the most urgent of a number of challenges facing the unit.
Leaders said that they were open to local businesses that might sponsor the repair work or offer trade support or in-kind donations.
It added: “The Brighton unit has been serving the local youth for decades, fostering resilience and leadership. This urgent appeal is a vital step in securing its immediate future.”
The mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, has also served as the council’s armed forces champion and promoted the work of local cadet units.
She said: “I hope people will chip in to support this urgent appeal. Our cadet units do so much good work, often unseen.
“They rely on the hard work of unpaid volunteers which often goes unrecgonised. They do so much on a shoestring.
“The young people get to take part in brilliant outdoor activities and opportunities – and these are so important, especially now the pitfalls of social media on mobile phones are now widely recognised.
“Please help them to stay open so they can keep up their good work.”
To donate, click here or contact unit fundraising officer Rob Wallace at fundraising@brightonseacadets.org.uk.
