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North Bay Cub Scouts Protect Children’s Lives from Malaria

The 1st North Bay Cub Scouts are proud to have raised $75 for the Canadian Red Cross’s Malaria Bites Campaign.

The 23 Cub Scouts first heard about how malaria affects children in Africa while working toward achieving their World Cubbing Badge. A local Scout leader, Ken Sitter, visited the group and spoke about his travels to Africa and explained what children there encounter on a daily basis.  

“What affected the Cub Scouts the most was how African children their own age live with the threat of malaria,” said John Marcil, leader of the 1st North Bay Cub Scouts.

Following the presentation, the Cub Scouts decided they wanted to make a difference and learn more about Africa. They agreed to set aside their Cub dues, while completing a special badge which focussed on the continent.  For three weeks, the Cub Scouts learned about African geography, culture, languages and wildlife. They tried to experience life as children in Africa do by playing soccer with no socks or shoes on. They also learned about the anatomy and life cycle of the mosquito, along with the cause and treatment of malaria. In a special presentation, the Cub Scouts received their badges and gave their donation to Sitter, who passed it along to the Canadian Red Cross, North Bay branch.

“We all went home that night knowing we made a difference in someone’s life,” said Marcil.

The Canadian Red Cross will use the money raised to purchase insecticide-treated mosquito nets to protect children in Africa from malaria. The nets can protect more than one child while they sleep at night, when mosquitoes are most active.