A youth football and cheerleading charity organisation in North Carolina is in the news after pledging to keep giving away an AR-15-style gun they call a “freedom stick” in order to collect funds for underprivileged kids to be able to join in the program.
In order to enter to win a FN-15 Patrol Carbine rifle, the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League, which trains 5 to 12-year-old boys and girls, is presently selling $5 tickets, or five for $20. The group posted a Facebook update promoting the fundraising and referred to the rifle as a “freedom stick.”
Following the terrible massacre in which a gunman murdered 21 people, including 19 children at a middle school in Uvalde, Texas, news of the giveaway infuriated several local parents who felt it was inappropriate. The gunman was using an AR-15 rifle.
An unidentified worried parent told local news station WLOS, “I was honestly astonished when I got the word that the youngsters were going to be selling an assault weapon because of what’s going on at schools around the nation.”
A second parent, who also wished to remain anonymous, concurred.
The parent told the channel, “I felt it was in extremely horrible taste for them to chose a weapon that is being used on children.”
The youth league stepped up their efforts, stating on Friday that they were open to other suggestions but that their main objective was to assist less disadvantaged kids in engaging in a healthy sport.
The league asked supporters to channel their enthusiasm positively by posting on Facebook, “If you have a sure means to generate enough money fast to carry us through the remainder of the season and still have enough to start up next season, we urge you to utilise that energy.”
The use of the field, stadium, and facilities is not free, the lost uniforms, mouthpieces, chin straps, ear pads, bows, socks, equipment, insurance, and all the other fees the league must pay are not fictitious. Neither are the referees, [law enforcement officers] and first responders for the children’s safety.
According to a league representative, they are now gathering money to buy new equipment and to be able to support local kids who cannot pay the registration costs.
In a statement on Facebook, the organisation emphasised that they provide a “place to get away from whatever home situation they may face for at least 2 hours a day, a place to remove them from video games, a place to be loved, a place to be praised, a place to be themselves, a place to be normal, a place to belong to something bigger than themselves, a place to learn manners, respect, leadership, and teamwork.”
Last year, the organisation held a low-profile auction for a weapon comparable to this one.
To be eligible to collect the reward, the winner must be older than 18 and pass a background check, they said.
The organisation said on Facebook, “[The] winner must satisfy all government standards to acquire and possess a freedom stick.”
Gun control is one of the main cultural issues in America, and opposition to the fundraiser tapped into this. Second Amendment supporters have rallied behind the cause, promising to raise more money for the league this year.
Can I buy anything online from Texas? Julea Ann posted a comment on the group’s Facebook page.
Robin Lea wrote, “Don’t let the WOKE LEFT buzzards get you down.” Because this is America and the freedoms that my granddad fought for, a lady asked how this was legal. The loudest shouters no doubt consent to the 1A. I’m investing Stay steadfast.
High-powered weapons are frequently raffled off by youth sports organisations to raise money.
According to the local station WXIX, the New Richmond Junior Lions Football and Cheer Program in Ohio sold tickets for the chance to win an AM-15 in 2020. According to the league’s president Robert Wooten, they raised $4,000 for new equipment.
It’s simple to sell. It’s in demand,” he said.
When the Chase High School wrestling team in Forest City, North Carolina attempted to use the same firepower for their fundraiser, they were less successful.
In June, the organiser stopped the team’s raffle of an AR-15 due of protest.
Chris Ramsey told ABCNews 13: “I wasn’t trying to ruffle anyone’s feather.” “I just wanted to assist the kids, help the youngsters in my program,” I said. That’s what we’re attempting accomplish here, make an influence on the world via these youngsters.’