A free ice hockey game with local legends is raising awareness of the urgent need for foster carers in Hull.
The family-friendly charity match at Hull Ice Arena will take place on Saturday, August 2, with the doors opening at 3pm and the game starting at 5pm.
Both ice hockey teams – The Sheriffs versus Hull Chip Spice Heroes – are made up from players from Hull Seahawks, Hull Jets, Hull Sharks, recreational teams, and retired Hull legends. If people can’t make the game, it will also be live-streamed on YouTube.
Speaking to Hull Live, one of the organisers of the charity game said: “There is a big crisis in Hull. Around 800 children are currently being fostered and there are only around 180 foster families.
“There are a lot of kids in the system that don’t have a home to go into. Our main aim is to raise awareness for people to go into fostering.”
People can foster with Hull Fostering if they live within 30 miles of Hull, are 21 years old or older, have their own home or rent with a spare bedroom.
(Image: Supplied)
The organiser added: “We always say to the players, the money is great, in today’s world you can’t do anything without money, but it is the awareness that is really important.
“We would rather raise £500 but have 10 people get into foster families, than raise £50,000 and still have the same problem where kids aren’t going into homes.”
Entertainment at the event includes a tombola, a raffle, costumed characters including a large talking robot and a Ninja Turtle, a fire engine from Humberside Fire & Rescue, and an army van.
At the end of the first period, Hull-born singer Victoria Eastwood will perform three songs and there will be a routine by figure skaters. After the second period, the U10s team will showcase their skills with a mini-game.
There is also a Just Giving fundraiser for the event. Any money raised will go to Hull Fostering for their Foster Fest event on August 17.