VANCOUVER, BC - A day of giving is good, but a week of giving is even better.
It takes a village, so team up with Whitecaps FC from May 6 to May 12 for the WFC Week of Giving, as players, coaches, and front office staff take time to help out with a variety of causes and organizations across Vancouver.
Introduced as WFC Day of Giving in 2017, the club’s volunteer initiative is extended to a full week for the first time this year.
Most events are open to the public so fans and media are encouraged to join. Volunteer spots are limited. To reserve a spot, visit whitecapsfc.com/weekofgiving.
WFC WEEK OF GIVING
MONDAY, MAY 6
Salvation Army Belkin House - 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT
Whitecaps FC players and volunteers will be preparing and serving a BBQ for the Salvation Army residents at the Belkin House. Salvation Army assists the homeless, and those at-risk of homelessness to become self-sufficient and independent through residency care at the Belkin House.
A Loving Spoonful - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Time to indulge in that sweet tooth, as ‘Caps players and volunteers will be packaging candy bags for people living with HIV and AIDS in Metro Vancouver. A Loving Spoonful provides hundreds of meals and snack packs to men, women, and children who are primarily homebound with AIDS.
Covenant House - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT
A morning of thank-you’s and positivity, as ‘Caps volunteers will be thanking Covenant House donors for their generosity. It is promised to be a rewarding morning filled with smiles.
TUESDAY, MAY 7
Lookout Housing and Health Society - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. PT
Whitecaps FC players and volunteers will be lending a hand in the Lookout Housing and Health Society kitchen and donation centre. The society provides meals and shelter beds for people living on the streets or transitioning to supportive housing.
Canadian Blood Services - 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT
‘Caps staff will be donating blood at Canadian Blood Services.
Whitecaps FC North Vancouver Community Clinic presented by Canadian Tire (Loutet Park, 1700 Rufus Ave, North Vancouver) - 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PT
Whitecaps FC players and staff coaches will run a fun and interactive soccer clinic for youth ages 7 to 10. Participation in the clinic is by donation with all proceeds benefiting Jumpstart. To register to participate in the clinics, visit whitecapsfc.com/clinics.
Covenant House - 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT
‘Caps staff volunteers will be back for a second day of Thank-You calls at Covenant House.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Greater Vancouver Food Bank - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is dedicated to providing food and related assistance to those in need. Join ‘Caps players and volunteers as they sort food donations in the East Vancouver food bank warehouse.
BC SPCA Vancouver – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Join 'Caps players and volunteers as they help clean the facility, animal playing area, and kennels. Following the clean-up, a shelter tour by SPCA staff and the opportunity to spend time with the puppies in their care will be provided.
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Kitsilano Beach & Hadden Park – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT
Along with WFC volunteers, 'Caps players will be picking up litter along Kitsilano Beach and Hadden Park as part of the Vancouver Aquarium and World Wildlife Fund Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
Canada SCORES at Edmonds Community School - 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT
Volunteers will lend a helping hand with packaging donations that will be distributed to the homeless living in Burnaby. A break for a friendly soccer match will follow the donation sorting.
THURSDAY, MAY 9
Vancouver Street Soccer League (VSSL) - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
Club ambassador Carl Valentine will be leading a training session along with ‘Caps staff coaches for individuals who are either at risk of being homeless or are currently homeless. The VSSL use soccer to promote inclusivity for individuals who feel marginalized within their community, as well as people recovering from drug or alcohol addictions.
Quest Food Exchange - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
Join WFC volunteers as they sort and package food to be sold at not-for-profit grocery stores. Quest Food Exchange works with local community resource partners to help their clients access healthy, affordable food in a dignified manner, within a safe and welcoming environment.
BC Children’s Hospital Visit - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Players and staff visit patients at the 'Caps-themed playroom at BC Children’s Hospital. It will be an afternoon filled with games, crafts, and laughs. The event is not open to the public but media are invited to attend.
FRIDAY, MAY 10 - Match Day: Whitecaps FC vs Portland Timbers
50/50 Volunteers at BC Place - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT
Join BC Children’s Hospital volunteers in the concourse as they sell 50/50 tickets during the Whitecaps FC match versus Cascadia rival Portland Timbers. All proceeds from the 50/50 program at Whitecaps FC home matches benefit BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to help improve the lives of the young people who enter BC Children’s Hospital every day.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
BBQ for BC Children’s Hospital patients. BBQ provided in partnership with BC Place and Centerplate - 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PT
‘Caps players and staff, in collaboration with BC Place and Centerplate, will be preparing a BBQ for BC Children’s Hospital patients. The event is not open to the public but media are invited to attend.
SUNDAY, MAY 12
Sports Day for Children with Autism - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
It will be a fun afternoon at BC Place, as the 'Caps participate in Sports Day for the seventh year. Players, along with Whitecaps legends and former Canadian internationals Carl Valentine and Sam Lenarduzzi will lead children with autism in a number of drills and games.
