Go Fund Me for a Safari?

I haven't been on here in a while. So, as the thread title suggests, is this something that I should do, or are there other, better options? The reason I ask, is because I was supposed to go last summer for my first PG safari, however, Mother Nature had other plans, and I had to replace a roof on my house. The current issues around the world have increased fuel prices, and in turn airfares, and other services. I am a disabled US Veteran, and am on a fixed income. I am not, by any means struggling to make ends meet, that was a few years ago when I had to deal with lawyers and such in order to vilify/verify my disabilities. I have dug out of that hole and hence the reason I opted for a PG safari with my wife and daughter. Just some thoughts to create a decent buffer to meet financial obligations for this hunt. Thank you for any reasonable responses and opinions.

You have to be trolling us.

If this isn’t complete trolling, I would say get side hustles. I have a whole thread about how I funded a trip in 1.5 years by selling stuff I found in the trash on Facebook marketplace. There are about 1000 other similar things that you could do.

You’d better make up some sob story about your house burning down and your dog being shot. If you start a go fund me to raise safari funds, you will be absolutely roasted, and rightfully so. But hey, you’ll more than likely make the news, so there’s some upside.

My word, your post has struck so many chords in me that I need a drink…and it’s not even noon! Speaking of needs. A safari may seem like a need. It is not.

People, through no fault of their own, may find themselves unable to provide for their needs. Your service-related disability is why you presumably receive government assistance to help pay for needs. A safari is a top-tier, luxury, “want.” You no more deserve a free safari than I deserve a free safari.

I hope this is trolling. If someone can go on safari they can work a part time job or 100 other options to make some side money. This is just entitlement at its worst.

I’m cringing at the thought of this, and especially the disabled veteran part. I thank you for your service. I’m probably going to take some heat for this and I say this as someone who’s military career was cut short; no one owes you a damn thing because you made the choice to serve.

VA disability ratings have become a scam and entitlement with an entire industry developing around getting veterans the money “they earned” or “they deserve”. I know the VA challenges extremely well. Not saying that’s you, but this post sure makes me think it is. I know they’re often times even harder for a combat arms guy to navigate because the pressures of being called a pussy for reporting injuries and not fighting through them. How they don’t have the resources and access to medical care/treatment beyond that of a 19 or 20yo medic assigned to your squad or platoon who rations Motrin like tic tacs. I know someone medically retired shy of 20 years due to injuries sustained in actual combat can’t collect both Pension and VA Comp.

Maybe it’s me, but when I think of a Go Fund Me, I think of life saving medical expenses, or funeral expenses for someone who’s life was tragically cut short to help the family who’s left to pick-up the pieces and offset the income of the main bread winner. IMO if you can’t meet the financial obligations of a luxury expense, not a need like a safari then you probably should postpone. I get unexpected expenses happen. I had an AC Unit go out earlier this year, weeks after contracting to have my roof repaired, then a vehicle and tractor all go out. Unfortunately that’s life and they’re all my responsibilities, not someone else’s.

Apologies in advance for my rant, but if you think this is ok your first team and squad leaders failed you and should’ve scuffed you up a lot more.

csmcclain said:

If this isn’t complete trolling, I would say get side hustles. I have a whole thread about how I funded a trip in 1.5 years by selling stuff I found in the trash on Facebook marketplace. There are about 1000 other similar things that you could do.

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What you did is honestly eye opening. Shows what some ambition and effort can accomplish. I see too often “disability” is a mindset. Taking the fixed income and not working is the easy comfortable option and becomes a mindset trap.

I’ll just hold my tongue…

375Fox said:

What you did is honestly eye opening. Shows what some ambition and effort can accomplish. I see too often “disability” is a mindset. Taking the fixed income and not working is the easy comfortable option and becomes a mindset trap.

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I appreciate that. Already funding my next one by saving half the proceeds from that again plus writing (other half is paying extra on the land we just bought).

Of course, I like the corner homeless guys with the signs that say "I ain't gonna lie - need the money for a beer"

go ahead. I would send you a small donation to help. Why not. Disabled Vet AND lives south of San Antonio - both good reasons to help

(take that , Texas)

The more I think about it, the more this pisses me off. I looked at your Facebook. You have a tractor and bunch of guns on there. I’m sure there is something you could sell instead of begging for a handout.

I sold my ATV to pay for my ticket and about $4k in tools to make sure I was able to go. What are you sacrificing?

Say you budget $15k. Put $500 a month away and you’ll be in a plane in May 2029.

If you can’t find a way to save $500 a month, get a part-time job. Do odd jobs. Resell. That’s a comparatively low bar to clear.

Though I’m guessing if you made $500 more per month it would result in $500 more in spending, not saving, and 2029 would roll around without flights booked.

Gotta love it when people use the phrase…I am on a fixed income…..whatever…just about everyone is, it’s called a salary…

This sort of thing wont get a whole lot of traction on AH.. there are A LOT of veterans on this board... many, if not most have a disability rating.. several have a disability rating due to combat related injuries.. others among the "old school" are indeed injured as a result of their service, but served during a period when taking a disability rating was neither common or ever encouraged...

in short, youve got several dozen very active members here that are in at least the same, if not worse shape physically as a result of their service with the same or potentially heavier rating (Im aware of at least 3 100% service disabled vets that frequent this board that recieved most of their injuries as a result of combat operations.. 2 of them are career SOF guys).. and none of them have considered (to my knowledge) something like a gofundme to fund a hunt..

All of that said, Im all for taking care of our veterans... and I'll freely admit I'm biased (im a vet myself).. I dont hesitate to take advantage of veterans programs that companies voluntarily put in place like the 10% discount at Lowes and Home Depot.. or the 10% discount that Cabelas offers to veterans.. or the discount programs like Leupolds VIP program or the Guidefitter program for veterans.. when you look at those programs, both parties benefit.. the vet gets a discount on purchases.. and the retailer gets access to a very large demographic that loyaly buys from them where they still make a margin on the sales they generate..

And as many here are aware, I have advocated hard for disabled veterans recieving free and/or discounted hunts.. I sponsor a hog hunt in TX every year where a dozen or so vets come hunt for free.. Ive arranged for disabled vets to hunt South Africa for free and Zambia for free...

but... never once has a veteran come to me and asked for a free hunt..

what has happened is I have coordinated with an outfitter or some other organization to fund/sponsor/support.. and then have found a veteran that I think is worthy of the reward (usually 100% combat service related disability, overall known good guy thats well regarded by peers, etc)... whether or not they can actually afford the hunt really never comes into the equation at all..

Doug3006 said:

My word, your post has struck so many chords in me that I need a drink…and it’s not even noon! Speaking of needs. A safari may seem like a need. It is not.

People, through no fault of their own, may find themselves unable to provide for their needs. Your service-related disability is why you presumably receive government assistance to help pay for needs. A safari is a top-tier, luxury, “want.” You no more deserve a free safari than I deserve a free safari.

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OO what are we drinking?

Ok full disclosure, I'm not a disabled veteran. I'm a reasonably healthy man in his mid 50's who owns his own business and has a house and three vehicles that are paid for. I have a double buffalo hunt paid for and scheduled for 2028 and a plains game hunt with a group of guys for 2027 as well as an Alaskan cruise with the wife. I'd love to add a buffalo to my 2027 hunt, but with the addition of the Alaskan cruise I don't think the budget will allow for it. If any of you out there would like to help me out please PM me for information on how to send me money.

Is that how this works?

Did I do it right?

Well...

Using GoFundMe to fund a personal hunting trip to Africa is fully permitted under GoFundMe’s Terms of Service, but it requires a very specific approach to succeed. Because crowdfunding a luxury or recreational trip can sometimes face public skepticism, you will need to be exceptionally transparent and highly strategic.

Public skepticism achieved.

I think you would be much better off finding other ways to creatively generate extra income. Since you will take your wife and daughter, this would be a wonderful way for the man of the house to bring his family together to work as a team to find a way you can all work together to raise additional money for a family trip. Spending time and working together as a family/team would make the trip so much more memorable knowing you all did it together. All the extra time you have together will also never be something you will regret; only cherish.

Online search ideas:
1. Host a Yard Sale or Decluttering Sale

2. Run a Weekend Bake or Craft Sale

3. Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Services

4. Provide Neighborhood Yard Work or Car Washing

5. Create and Sell Digital or Printed Family Recipe/Activity Books

I wish you all the best sir.

Thank you all for the replies. Some of you took this as I wrote it, with an open mind. This was only a question and I noticed some very interesting replies. Nope, not a troll, not in the least.