The Vancouver Whitecaps spent the day with the community groups in the lower mainland and all visits were selected by the community relations of the club.

In total 10 were selected as a way to give back and known as “The Day of Giving” involved over 200 Volunteer hours with charitable groups across Vancouver.

Two of the key community partners are the Covenant House and BC Children’s Hospital, but the first stop was Covenant house.

They provide a safety net and hope for youth at risk homeless ranging in age from 16-24 years of age – where we should mention that there is no chance of Foster care.

Players and staff alike assist in housekeeping duty and meal preparation for the residents in addition to sorting all donations of clothing – which the residents receive!!!

Another great and exceptional benefactor of this “Giving Back” is the Canadian Blood Services which saves lives with the gift of life by donating blood the,

Next drop off point was the Loving Spoonful an non-partisan society provides free meals to those less fortunate living with HIV/Aids in Metro Vancouver.

A special place in the hearts of most is the BC SPCA Animal Shelter who assist in helping the staff with the clean-up duties and a tour by the staff of the animals they look after for adoption.

The staff and players also assisted the clean project Great Canadian Shoreline at Crab Park located in East Vancouver making the shoreline better for the community as well as garbage pick-up.

Brek Shea presented David Brankin Elementary School a mural that he painted and created, in addition to conducting a skills session clinic for the students on their visit to the school.

Kei Kamara led a group of children at the main Vancouver Public Library on West Georgia and as well as singing songs with kids and their families in attendance.

The last two stops on the day of giving were the Salvation Army Belkin House on Homer Street which is a shelter for men and women providing and clean safe accommodation for over 200 in need.

Final stop besides Covenant House was the BC Children’s Hospital with their hero’s program for kids that attend the game and get recognized by Carl Valentine at each home match.

The Whitecaps FC Community relations efforts, and program initiatives got to their website whitecapsfc.com/community to learn more about the club’s support in the soccer community.

Thanks to Bruce Nolte for the info!!