Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday it has joined forces with internationally-recognized local artist Carson Ting who has created “It Takes A Village”, a unique and inspirational piece commemorating Vancouver’s 7 p.m. ovation for healthcare workers, emergency responders, city employees, store clerks, supply chain workers and all who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines of the pandemic. One hundred per cent of the proceeds from every print sold will be contributed to help address the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s unprecedented demand.
The club will also be gifting a print to each of its #FrontlineHeroes, who are recognized nightly across Whitecaps FC social media channels.
The uplifting scene also features BC’s own provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and expert sign-language interpreter Nigel Howard, who have been guiding British Columbians through the uncertainty since the pandemic began. Local celebrities Ryan Reynolds, Seth Rogen and Steve Nash can also be spotted in the artwork.
“I'm deeply inspired by our city’s collective energy, unity and positivity,” said Ting. “Before this project, I was thinking of ways that my skill-set could be used to support our courageous frontline workers during these difficult times. When I got the call from Whitecaps FC about this initiative, I was all in.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of Carson and all of the partners who have donated so much of their time and resources to this incredible project,” added Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Mark Pannes. “He has so perfectly captured the gratitude our community expresses every night, and we think it’s only fitting to support the recent donation by the BC’s Nurses Union and commit the proceeds of this artwork to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.”
“Nurses and frontline workers have felt the love throughout this pandemic,” says BC Nurses’ Union president Christine Sorensen, who also supports the fundraising initiative. “BC nurses recently made a $10,000 donation to the BC Nurses’ Union Fund for Food Banks BC, which assists food banks across the province. We are very pleased that Vancouver Whitecaps FC are joining our effort. We recognize that it takes a village to support the greater need of all our communities.”
Local production company Kindred & Scout donated their energy and creativity to create a video that features 'Caps forward Tosaint Ricketts and community cheers across Vancouver.
Hemlock Printers and Hemlock Harling also supported the food bank in a big way, donating their resources to print and distribute the artwork to donors.
Additional partners that have donated their resources to the initiative include TSN 1040, Postmedia and Daily Hive. Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., official beer partner of Whitecaps FC, will also take part by launching a new benefit craft this summer. The total of pro bono work and contributions to this project has amounted to over $100,000.
Each of the 24” x 18” art pieces can be purchased at whitecapsfc.com/ittakesavillage for a minimum of $30 plus tax and shipping. BC-based NÜTRL Vodka has already donated $10,000 for one art piece alone.
“We are truly grateful to be included in this artistic tribute to COVID-19 frontline heroes,” said Greater Vancouver Food Bank chief operating officer Cynthia Boulter. “Our staff and volunteers are working continuously to ensure we can provide healthy food each week to those in need across the Lower Mainland.”
To purchase ‘It Takes A Village’ artwork and donate to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, visit whitecapsfc.com/ittakesavillage. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will issue tax receipts approximately six weeks after each donation.
