CalDisneyMomof2
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2014
As many of you know, youth sports are a big investment! My kids currently play baseball, basketball and inline hockey - sometimes all at the same time. More recently (and ultimately my youngest son's goal) they've begun a Learn to Play ice hockey program, complimentary courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks.
Well, they love it. They excel at it. And again, for my younger son it is his dream to play in college so although it may not be likely, I will support his dreams. However, ice hockey is INCREDIBLY expensive. For them to play a 5 month season it will cost nearly $2,000 (for both) once uniforms and additional equipment is purchased (that ice needs and inline doesn't use).
We've already discussed with them that this is a commitment and is costly so they must be dedicated. (They're 7 and 9 and understand completely) For Easter we've asked grandparents for practical gifts (new gloves, helmet, skates etc. - we're fine with used equipment as well). Their birthdays are well after the season begins (several months later) so can't ask for equipment until then.
We, as parents, would never want to deprive our kids of their passions but goodness, it is not cheap! I'm already thinking that the first place these funds will come from is our vacation funds. We'll have to stretch our trips out further. However, does anyone have ideas of fundraisers they can do to raise money for themselves? Is that in poor taste? I don't feel comfortable starting a Gofundme or similar but was wondering if anyone has done a different type of fundraising for their children? I wouldn't expect $2,000 in fundraising every 6 months but perhaps something to help with costs. Or do I just need to pick up a second job?
Well, they love it. They excel at it. And again, for my younger son it is his dream to play in college so although it may not be likely, I will support his dreams. However, ice hockey is INCREDIBLY expensive. For them to play a 5 month season it will cost nearly $2,000 (for both) once uniforms and additional equipment is purchased (that ice needs and inline doesn't use).
We've already discussed with them that this is a commitment and is costly so they must be dedicated. (They're 7 and 9 and understand completely) For Easter we've asked grandparents for practical gifts (new gloves, helmet, skates etc. - we're fine with used equipment as well). Their birthdays are well after the season begins (several months later) so can't ask for equipment until then.
We, as parents, would never want to deprive our kids of their passions but goodness, it is not cheap! I'm already thinking that the first place these funds will come from is our vacation funds. We'll have to stretch our trips out further. However, does anyone have ideas of fundraisers they can do to raise money for themselves? Is that in poor taste? I don't feel comfortable starting a Gofundme or similar but was wondering if anyone has done a different type of fundraising for their children? I wouldn't expect $2,000 in fundraising every 6 months but perhaps something to help with costs. Or do I just need to pick up a second job?