VANCOUVER, BC
– A dollar went a long way back in 1974 – bread was $0.39 per loaf and gasoline was $0.63 a gallon – and today the dollar will go a long way again. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be making a honorary donation to one of the club’s main charitable pillars, mental health. Proceeds will directly support Clara’s Big Ride Vancouver Community Champion – The Kettle Society – and the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. In addition to the mental health charitable pillar, Whitecaps FC have two additional community focuses including cancer research and prevention, and youth soccer.
On Saturday, May 3, Whitecaps FC are asking every fan to #BuckUp for Mental Health and donate at least one dollar at the
40th Anniversary Match against San Jose Earthquakes
. Beginning Thursday, April 17, fans can also donate online at
whitecapsfc.com/buckup
.
‘Caps defender
Andy O’Brien
has stepped forward to raise his voice and help bring awareness to mental health in Canada. O’Brien joined the ‘Caps in 2012 after overcoming a struggle with depression.
“I was really close to retirement before I found the strength to speak up and get the help I needed to battle my illness and get my career back on track,” said O’Brien. “The #BuckUp campaign is very important to our club, as we work together to help end the stigma of mental health. I’d like to thank our fans and community in advance for their support.”
How ‘Caps fans can #BuckUp
• Donate online now (minimum $5 donation) at
whitecapsfc.com/buckup
until May 17.
• Bring a dollar or more to Whitecaps FC's 40th Anniversary Match on May 3. Our goal is to raise at least one dollar per fan!
• Share the message and #BuckUp to help end the stigma of mental health.
About Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk
Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk will span 12,000 kilometres over the course of 110 days, beginning in Toronto March 14, visiting 95 communities and concluding in Ottawa on Canada Day, July 1. Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk will help raise awareness and action in mental health and end the stigma around mental illness. Every Canadian can participate in Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk through community events and social media. For more information, please visit
Bell.ca/ClarasBigRide
or follow the latest news on Twitter at @Bell_LetsTalk or Facebook at
facebook.com/BellLetsTalk
.
The Kettle Society
- Strength through Mental Health supports people living with mental illness to lead healthier lives. The Kettle provides 3,600 individuals with 26 services, a mental health drop-in that is open 365 days a year, a women’s transition house and 400 units of supported housing, with more on the way. To learn more visit
thekettle.ca
.
Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division
(CMHA) is a nation-wide leader and champion for mental health and promotes mental health for all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness or addiction. Each year, CMHA provides services and supports to over 82,000 British Columbians through their provincial and local programming. To learn more, visit
cmha.bc.ca
.
For more 40th anniversary content, including a
White is the Colour Ringtone
,
Where are they now
, and
Forgotten Stories
, visit
whitecapsfc.com/since1974
.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($294), half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit
whitecapsfc.com/tickets
.
