Local girl makes thoughtful donation to ESHC

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — An 11-year-old Gosfield North Public School student has turned her scouting project into a very nice donation to Erie Shores HealthCare.

Juliana Miller is with the Second Cottam Scouting group and recently turned her commitment for the community into a project for her Scout Seeonee Award, the highest achievement a Cub can attain.

Juliana’s desire to help those less fortunate led to her mom Jennifer — who works at ESHC — arranging the donation of personal care packages.

Juliana begun the project by raising funds through a ‘bubble bottle drive’, where she collected bottles from people within her family bubble, following COVID guidelines.

Angela Belleau, left, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator for ESHC, accepts the baskets of personal care packages from Fay Lawn of Second Cottam Scouts, Juliana Miller and her mom, Jennifer Miller. Juliana raised $210 and turned that into the 69 personal care packages seen here, then donated them to Erie Shores HealthCare.

SUN photo

Those bottles, collected over two months, were cashed in for $210, which allowed Juliana to come up with a list of items for her care packages.

She purchased toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant and other small items for people who may be in need at the hospital.

According to Angela Belleau, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator for Erie Shores HealthCare, these items are always in demand.

“We have patients who come into emergency, not expecting to stay, who aren’t prepared with these items,” she said. “It’s amazing to have a youth who recognizes this need and helps our community.”

Juliana Miller with one of her care packages.

Juliana was on hand with her mom and Fay Lawn of Second Cottam Scouts to present 69 personal care packages to Belleau, who accepted them on behalf of the hospital.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Juliana. “I want to help people that are less fortunate.”

“For kids to think outside of themselves like this is extraordinary,” added Fay Lawn.

Lawn also added that Scouting is alive and well in the community and they encourage young people to join.

“We’re grateful to the community for their support of Scouting during the pandemic,” she said.

If you’d like to register your child for Scouting, you can visit scouts.ca and follow the prompts to reach your area group.