VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club’s inaugural Day of Giving will be held on Wednesday, May 10.
Whitecaps FC players, coaches, and front office staff will participate by volunteering for a variety of causes and organizations throughout the day.
"Community spirit is our reason for being," said club president Bob Lenarduzzi. "We are committed to making a difference on and off the pitch, and all of us at the club are looking forward to volunteering for a variety of organizations and causes as part of our inaugural Day of Giving."
Whitecaps FC supports a number of charitable organizations throughout the year, including key community partners BC Children’s Hospital and Covenant House Vancouver.
In addition to lending a hand to existing Whitecaps FC community partners, Day of Giving will also provide the club a chance to expand its impact in the community and develop new relationships with other organizations in the Lower Mainland.
A limited number of volunteer spots will be available for fans to join ‘Caps players and staff at each Day of Giving event.
Fans who are interested in participating are asked to email communityrelations@whitecapsfc.com with a list of the top three events that they would like to volunteer at.
DAY OF GIVING EVENTS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
Covenant House Vancouver (575 Drake St.) – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
'Caps midfielder Russell Teibert and staff volunteers will sort incoming clothing donations for homeless and at-risk youth in care at Covenant House. Over 1,300 street-involved youth go to Covenant House Vancouver each year to find sanctuary and a brighter future.
YWCA Metro Vancouver (533 East Hastings St.) – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT
'Caps defender Tim Parker, president Bob Lenarduzzi, and staff volunteers will paint a playground and wall at the YWCA Crabtree Corner Childcare Centre, which provides a range of programs and services to help marginalized women and families living in the Downtown Eastside. Whitecaps FC partner Benjamin Moore will supply the paint for the project. Volunteers will also do a clean-up in the outdoor play area.
‘Caps Kicksmart School Visit for Canada SCORES at Hjorth Road Elementary (14781 104 Ave., Surrey) – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT
A visit to Hjorth Road Elementary in Surrey, a partnership school of Canada SCORES Vancouver. Led by club ambassadors Carl Valentine and Sam Lenarduzzi, this 45-minute indoor demonstration will focus on soccer basics, along with messaging of respect and sportsmanship. 'Caps defender Marcel de Jong will also participate.
Greater Vancouver Food Bank (1150 Raymur Ave.) – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
'Caps defender Jake Nerwinski and staff volunteers will evaluate and sort food donations in the East Vancouver food bank warehouse. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is dedicated to providing food and related assistance to those in need.
Camp Goodtimes (Loon Lake, Maple Ridge) – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Camp Goodtimes is a medically supervised, fun and recreational experience run by the Canadian Cancer Society for children with cancer and their families. ‘Caps staff volunteers will help lay a treatment down on the gravel roads/paths to make them firmer and more accessible for wheelchairs and golf carts.
Salvation Army Belkin House Meal Program (555 Homer St.) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
The Belkin House provides a clean, safe, secure and comfortable accommodation for up to 224 men, women, and children in need. 'Caps defender Sheanon Williams and staff volunteers will assist in the Food Services department with food prep, cleaning, organizing, sweeping, dishwashing, and meal service.
BC SPCA Vancouver (1205 East 7th Ave.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT
'Caps defender Christian Dean and staff volunteers will help clean the facility, animal playing area, and kennels, followed by a shelter tour by SPCA staff and the opportunity to spend time with the animals in their care.
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup at Crab Park (101 East Waterfront Rd.) – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Along with staff volunteers, 'Caps players Brek Shea, Brett Levis, Cole Seiler, and Kyle Greig will be picking up litter at Crab Park as part of a Vancouver Aquarium and World Wildlife Fund Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
Story Time with Whitecaps FC at Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia St.) – 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT
'Caps defender Jordan Harvey will read “The Reading Tree” to young children and their families as part of a special sports-themed story time. Harvey will also join in on the songs, stories, and rhymes led by Vancouver Public Library staff.
Canada SCORES Soccer Clinic at 12th Avenue Elementary School (7622 12th Ave., Burnaby) – 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. PT
Club ambassador Carl Valentine and 'Caps midfielder Tony Tchani will lead a soccer clinic at 12th Avenue Elementary school in Burnaby for Canada SCORES Vancouver youth. Canada SCORES Vancouver helps at-risk elementary school students find their voice, achieve their goals and reach their full potential through the game of soccer, the art of poetry and community service experiences.
BMO Kickin’ with the ‘Caps Community Clinic at Hugo Ray Park (1290 3rd St., West Vancouver) – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. PT
Day of Giving will conclude with a Whitecaps FC community clinic in West Vancouver led by Carl Valentine and Sam Lenarduzzi. Youth participants ages 7-10 will have the opportunity to receive coaching from ’Caps players and coaches, including defender David Edgar, forward Erik Hurtado,and club ambassador Y.P. Lee.
To learn more about Whitecaps FC's community relations strategy, programs and initiatives, click here.
