Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but to East York Girl Guides, it is an age they are looking forward to.
In 2010, 23 Guides from East York will take a trip to London, England in celebration of 100 years of Canadian Guiding, The Guides, some of whom are now 10 going on 11, had to go through an application process before being selected for the trip.
"For 10 year olds to write an application is amazing," said Kai Simmons of Toronto Girl Guides.
During the trip, the Guides will cruise through Scandanavian countries emulating a trip in 1933, where Lord and Lady Baden Powell, the founders of Guiding and Scouting, took 650 Scouts and Guides.
"It's an experience for the girls, they will get to meet with Guiding and Scouting groups from other countries also celebrating their centennial," Simmons said.
After jumping the selection hurdle, the Guides will have to participate in a series of fundrasing events to raise at least 50 per cent of the trip's cost, estimated at $2,000.
On Saturday, June 21 the girls will spend part of the morning picking strawberries from Whittamore Farm, located on 8100 Steeles Ave. and the afternoon selling them from the Shoppers Drug Mart store at Woodbine and O'Conner.
"We expect that we will sell out very quickly, so it is best to place your order to be sure that you will get your berries." Simmons said.
The cost of the berries is $4 per quart, and at an extra cost, residents of East York can have the berries delivered to their homes.
According to Simmons, the girls will not only raise money from the selling the strawberries, but will also get to know each other before the trip. The Guides will also host a strawberry social at Cosburn United Church at 1108 Greenwood Ave. where fresh strawberry cakes and sandwiches will be served,
For reservations or more information, call 416-425-7114.