Help St Austell Sea Cadets Raise Money for a Replacement Minibus and Multipurpose Trailer

St Austell Sea Cadets are calling on the local community for help as they work to raise funds for a replacement minibus and new multipurpose trailer – vital for keeping their wide-ranging youth activities going.

The group, which supports young people aged 9 to 18, has already raised £8,000 towards their target but says they “just need some extra help to reach our goal.”

Without a minibus and trailer, they say 95% of their current activities would be forced to stop.

Cadets Taking the Lead

The cadets themselves are playing an active role in the fundraising effort, organising a spring fayre and a duck race at Pentewan. They’re also planning to run stalls in Mevagissey and Fowey during the school holidays.

These events are all part of their push to continue offering a programme that includes first aid, food hygiene and catering qualifications, STEM activities, seamanship, boat maintenance, sports competitions, kayaking, sailing, offshore voyages, mountain biking and more.

No Vehicle, No Access

St Austell Sea Cadets is a self-supporting registered charity that receives minimal Ministry of Defence funding. Most of their running costs – including heating, lighting, insurance and transport—are paid through monthly cadet subscriptions and fundraising.

Without a vehicle, they explained, “Cadets would not be able to attend day and residential courses, cadets would not be able to compete in sports and Sea Cadet skill competitions. And, most importantly, it would mean that we wouldn’t be able to go boating/sailing/kayaking as we wouldn’t have a tow vehicle to take boats/kayaks and the cadets to the water.”

How to Support

If you’re able to help, donations can be made directly to their GoFundMe page.

“Each donation, no matter how small, directly supports the young people in accessing essential training and activities, so it really makes a difference.”

You can donate or share the page using this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/minibus-and-multipurpose-trailer