Help Andrew play hockey in Europe

Hi my name is Andrew Whalen;

 I am 24 years old and am trying to achieve my dream of becoming a professional hockey player. Those who know me know I take a lot of passion and pride in what I do. I try to pass on my knowledge of hockey and life in hopes to help to others in any way I can.

What a lot of people don’t know about me is that I lost the man I knew as my father at the age of seven, and became very depressed. I didn't know how to handle the death of a parent. When I turned fourteen I got caught up in the wrong crowd, started using drugs and really messed up my life. Today I am proud to say that I have abstained from drugs for six years. Since then I have really turned my life around. I have obtained my high school diploma, college diploma, a personal training certification, started a small hockey development school and had my first born son. 

I have been afraid to ask for help all my life, because I was always told that "you need to do things on your own". As many people know hockey is not a cheap sport, there are many costs involved with achieving this dream. On ice development, off ice training, equipment, and travel, just to name a few. I have been chasing my dream for many years, graduating from Jr. to Sr. level in hockey. I have finally been given the opportunity to travel overseas and accomplish my dream. The only thing that stands in the way of me accomplishing that dream is the additional training and living costs I will need for Europe. I have hit a road block and didn’t know where else to turn. I am currently living pay cheque to pay cheque to support my family, as well as chase my dream. I will do anything in my power to make my dream come true. I have even extended a helping hand to people around their homes (babysitting, cutting grass, raking leaves, cleaning, digging trenches and shovelling driveways). I have started my hockey school and I am looking to pick up a secondary job to help assist with my dream.

I believe in helping others and passing along my hockey knowledge. This is why I have decided to start a small privatized hockey clinic. I often show up to the rink with 4 bags and 4 kids in my car. Just for the simple fact that I believe no one should miss out on an opportunity to chase their dream. I want to be able to help under privileged players, by offering scholarships to my program I hope to be able to give back to the community in thanks to those who have supported me in accomplishing my dreams.

I know there are a lot of better causes to donate too. I just want you to know that if you do decide that my cause is worthy of your time, and if you are able to make a charitable donation. Just know that I will put the time and effort in. I will not fail those who support and have supported me. I will push harder than ever this off season (in training) to make my supporters proud.  This goal has become much bigger than just being mine. I feel that this is for my students, my family, my son, my father, for every person that has ever believed in me along my path, and for every person who has had the same dream, but were unable to achieve it. 

 Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
With kind regards,
Andrew Whalen.