Some little hockey fans have a big job ahead of them as they work to raise money for their team.
The Barrie Colts U11 BB team is hosting an online silent auction, with proceeds helping to cover some of the costs of on-ice development, equipment and tournament fees.
“Rep hockey teams like the U11 BB are required to raise their team budget … through fundraising and sponsorship. This is in addition to the $1,550 fees that each player must pay to the BMHA/Hockey Canada association,” explained Ruth Tan, who serves as the team’s fundraising co-ordinator.
“Teams usually fall back to the typical fundraisers like Flipgive, Macgregors Meats, bottle drives, golf tournaments, etc., to raise money, but over time these fundraisers lose their effectiveness when every single team does it," she added. "Neighbours only have so many bottles, and the freezer can only hold so much meat, so fundraising efforts often become diluted.”
The team wanted to find a way to “re-energize” rep sports team fundraising while also supporting local businesses, Tan said. The team hopes the upcoming online silent auction — which runs until Oct. 26 — will do just that.
“The Barrie Colts U11 BB online silent auction is a first for BMHA rep hockey teams and could be a game changer in how teams can offer value-add fundraisers while also giving back,” said Tan, adding that through the use of social media, the team connected with and received item donations from a variety of different local community businesses.
In return for the donation, she said the local businesses have the opportunity to increase their exposure and visibility in the community by being featured on the auction website and on the team's Instagram page.
In addition to the online auction, the team is hosting a wreath fundraiser in November with Drysdale's Tree Farm, a local family-run business located south of Barrie in the Thornton area.
To bid on any of the auction items, click here.
