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Posted by
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February 14, 2018 |
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@HarJournalist
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - It was a special afternoon at B.C. Children's Hospital on Tuesday as Vancouver Whitecaps FC players were on hand to officially open the Whitecaps FC kids playroom at the new Teck Acute Care Centre at B.C. Children's Hospital. The Caps pride themselves on giving back to the community that has always given so much to them.
Whitecaps FC President, Bobby Lenarduzzi, players, Kei Kamara, Aly Ghazal, Russell Teibert, Jake Nerwinski, Brian Rowe, and Aaron Maund helped with the ribbon cutting ceremony. Most importantly they took time to play with kids, sign autographs, pose for pictures, and visit with kids throughout the ward who weren't able to come to the opening.
“We like to give back to the community that we’re in," said Lenarduzzi. "This is a beautiful way of doing it for the kids that are needing the services. For the parents, there’s an opportunity for them to take a little reprieve from whatever it is they’re going through.”
The Whitecaps FC organization had previously made a generous one million dollar donation to the B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation. As part of that donation, initiatives like the kids playroom have been possible. The planning, resources, and construction of the playroom had been years in the making, and it's been a very welcome addition.
“It’s probably been about three years," Lenarduzzi said. "We knew that they were targeting last fall as the opening of the new Teck Acute Care Centre. It was open then, and the playroom was operational as of that point. It’s required some patience, it’s also required some hard work on our part and B.C. Children's Hospitals part. I think we’re all happy with the outcome, that’s for sure.”
In 2017, Whitecaps FC raised more than $600,000 for B.C. Children's Hospital from the match day 50/50 program, Legends & Stars charity match, and other fundraising events.
"It's just cool that we could dedicate that room and open up room today," said Whitecaps FC centre-back, Aaron Maund. "Just the partnership with an establishment in the community is great. Seeing the kids and how excited they are, it's really exciting."
An opportunity to visit B.C. Children's Hospital often puts things into perspective for athletes. Winning or losing a football match isn't always the main focus when you can walk into a room, and light up someones face by talking to them, listening, and spending time with them.
"Of course, anytime you're in a situation where you see kids who are fighting, and battling. It does put it in perspective. It's amazing to see how in good spirits they are. Everyone is smiling and it's really special. A lot of it is because of how much this hospital puts forth. It's incredible," Maund said following the visit.
Even if it's for a few minutes, having a professional athlete come to visit you when you may not be feeling your best, that's what it's all about. Players like Maund get a lot out of the reaction, smiles, and interactions from the kids.
"Absolutely, all these kids are so cool," Maund said. "They're all fighters. They're also so personable and fun to talk to. It really is exciting for us as well."
The Caps playroom is a long-lasting initiative that will bring joy to kids, their families, and the staff. It's an overall positive place where they can go and try to be themselves, kids.
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