Vancouver Whitecaps FC are proud to announce that the club’s third annual #BuckUp for Mental Health campaign raised a total of over $34,000 in support of Covenant House Vancouver.
“Mental health is one of the most important causes that our club supports,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “We would like to thank all of our fans, partners, players, coaches and staff who came together to raise funds for #BuckUp for Mental Health in support of Covenant House Vancouver. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable members of our community and helping to end the stigma associated with mental illness.”
Donations were collected online, at the 'Caps match versus Houston Dynamo on Saturday, May 28, and at the WFC2 match versus Real Monarchs SLC on Sunday, May 29. All online donations were matched by club ambassador Y.P. Lee. This year, Whitecaps FC also introduced an online auction to raise funds for #BuckUp, including unique items and one-of-a-kind experiences for fans.
The club successfully increased last year’s #BuckUp campaign fundraising total by over $13,000.
Covenant House Vancouver is one of Whitecaps FC’s community partners and works to improve the lives of more than 1,400 at-risk and homeless youth, most of whom struggle with mental illness. One of Covenant House Vancouver’s key initiatives includes a soccer program which has proven successful in the rehabilitation of youth including Erin, who was featured in the #BuckUp video.
