The truth about Fundraising
What is the fundraising program? At the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club, we ask all families to participate in a Grocery Card fundraising program. The reason this fundraising program is so great, is because it doesn’t cost you a penny, and you don’t have to buy any chocolates, magazines or other silly things that you don’t really need. Instead, you purchase grocery cards from us and use them at the grocery stores. If you buy groceries to feed your family, and gas for your car, then this program is perfect for you.
How is this a fundraiser? The reason this works as a fundraiser is because the grocery chains give the Skating Club a kickback for buying large quantities. That way it doesn’t cost you a cent.
How do the cards work? The cards come in $25, $50 and $100 values. You can buy as many or as few as you like at a time. When you use the cards at the store, the balance remains on the card to use for your next purchase.
What stores can I use the cards at? We sell cards to the major grocery chains here in Lethbridge; including Safeway, Save on Foods, Superstore and Sobeys. The cards can be used all over Canada, and also can be used at the Gas bars.
Are there other advantages to the Grocery Card fundraising program? Yes. You can also sell cards to friends and family, you don’t have to purchase them all yourself. Some people give them as gifts at Christmas time, and others use them to give to their older children, instead of cash for food or gas money.
How much do I have to buy? If you are a Canskate or Starskate family, your commitment is $1000 over the season. If you have a skater in Private lessons, the commitment is $2000. Although this might seem overwhelming, to put it in perspective, the Canskate/Starskate season is 6 months long. If you purchased $200 each month, you would fulfil your commitment by February. When you consider that the average family of 4 spends over $500 each month on groceries and fuel, buying $200 each month no longer seems like as much.
How does the LFSC track my purchases, and what happens if I choose not to participate? At the time of registration, the LFSC collects guarantee cheques for fundraising and volunteering, each in the amount of $100 (group lesson families) or $200 (private lesson families). These cheques are post dated for the end of February. Each time you purchase cards, the seller records the amount and your name, as well as your skater’s name. There is a board member who keeps track of how much each family has purchased. When you have purchased your commitment, your fundraising cheque is shredded. If you choose to opt out, and not buy your commitment, your cheque is cashed.