Ardrossan & Largs Sea Cadets (TS GANNET) have been working hard from 2023 to refurbish their ageing facilities in Ardrossan. Our team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to remove the two dozen damaged portacabins, resurface the area and get new structures in place which will allow us to grow our operations and become a regional hub for Sea Cadet Corps activity.

The ongoing economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult for charities to secure the necessary funding to sustain their operations and initiatives. Funders, faced with limited resources, are now more selective, prioritizing projects that promise the greatest benefit to the wider community. This climate poses a significant hurdle for smaller charities, such as the Sea Cadets, whose numbers have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With dwindling membership, the Sea Cadets find themselves in a precarious position, struggling to raise funds to regenerate their ageing facilities and infrastructure.

Unlike larger organizations, the Sea Cadets are unable to rely on the financial support of the military services, leaving them to navigate this funding crisis largely on their own. While they do receive limited assistance through the Marine Society of Sea Cadets (MSSC), the reality is that the cadet numbers in 2023 and the current year are far below the levels seen in 2020 and prior. This decline can be attributed, in part, to the detachment's inability to meet regularly during the pandemic, as well as the lack of proper maintenance for their facilities. As a result, the dedicated volunteers have been forced to undertake the arduous task of dismantling and disposing of numerous portacabins, while also clearing the site of hazardous materials to ensure a safe environment for the incoming cadets.

The main building, which the Sea Cadets lease, is in a state of disrepair and will require substantial investments totalling over £97,000 to address the necessary renovations. While the organization has secured some funding, they are unable to access these resources unless they can raise an additional £72,000 from other sources. This financial hurdle presents a significant challenge, as the cadets themselves have managed to raise only £2,350 for the Poppy Appeal, with the Sea Cadets contributing just under £1,000 of that amount. This remarkable display of commitment and community spirit highlights the importance of the Sea Cadets' role in shaping the lives of young individuals, yet the lack of adequate funding threatens to undermine their ability to continue providing these valuable services.

In light of these circumstances, the Sea Cadets are calling upon the 30,000-strong community of North Ayrshire to consider how they can lend their support without breaking the bank. The organization suggests that instead of indulging in a daily cup of coffee, mug of tea, or glass of wine, individuals could donate the cost of these small luxuries to the Sea Cadets' fundraising efforts. A one-time contribution, even at the modest cost of a single drink, could have a significant impact, enabling the Sea Cadets to not only maintain their current operations but also expand their reach, potentially doubling the number of cadets they can accommodate. This appeal for community-driven support underscores the vital role that the Sea Cadets play in shaping the lives of young individuals and the importance of ensuring their continued success in the face of daunting financial challenges.