2020-2021 Season Cancelled
Dear Ringette Families,
After meeting with Ringette Alberta and our own Executive Board last week, we have made the decision to cancel the remainder of our 2020/21 season. We are very disappointed to have to make this decision, but at this time we feel that there are too many obstacles and too many unknowns with COVID-19. We feel the best option is to end the season now and look forward to summer camp and our 2021/22 season. Below is information regarding refunds, volunteer hours and raffle tickets. Refunds will be provided after March 1st as we need some time to process these.
Registration Fee
Our normal season runs for 7 months from the beginning of September to the end of March. This year, we had ice times up to the middle of November, so 2.5 months or 35% of the season. Therefore, we will be refunding 65% of the registration fee. For those that paid by credit card, refunds will be put back on the credit card used at the time of registration. For those that paid by cash or cheque, refunds will be given via cheque.
Volunteer Levy
We would like to thank to everyone who volunteered this year. Our association runs on volunteers and you are the reason why we are successful every year and why our kids can play the sport they love. Due to the restrictions in place from COVID-19 and the fact that our season has been cut short, we were unable to offer as many volunteer opportunities as normal. Therefore, the board has made the decision to forgive the volunteer commitment for this year. We will be providing a refund for all volunteer levies for this season. Again, for those who paid by credit card, refunds will be put back on the credit card used at the time of registration. For those that paid by cash or cheque refunds will be given via cheque.
Fundraising Levy
We have had a few inquiries about the association raffle tickets. We made the decision at the beginning of the year to go ahead with the raffle in anticipation of playing a full season. As a result of gaming laws and regulations by AGLC, we are committed to completing this raffle regardless of the loss of our season. FMRA has already committed funds to the prizes, as well as costs associated with the application process. Ringette in Fort McMurray is an affordable sport because of the fundraising that we do for the association and the funds we receive from the casino. The pandemic has not only had a negative impact on sports, but it has also affected casinos. Our casino was scheduled in December and was cancelled due to the COVID restrictions announced in November. This means our organization will not have casino funds for a couple of years. The board is working hard to be able to cover the shortfall from a period without casino funds without having to increase fees significantly in the future. The funds raised from the 2020/2021 raffle will help offset the current raffle costs and subsidize operating costs in the coming year. We appreciate the extra effort made in a difficult year to sell the tickets and help keep our registration fees affordable. We really need everyone to do their best to sell the raffle tickets assigned to them. If you are having trouble selling your tickets, please reach out to the association raffle coordinator at raffle@mcmurrayringette.com. Team raffle coordinators will be in touch soon to start collecting your ticket books and money.
Thank you again to all the parents who have volunteered this season and thank you to everyone for doing your best to make this season what it was regardless of all the constraints we had. Feel free to respond to this email with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing everyone next season!!
Kristy Manning
FMRA
President
