Whitecaps players to wash cars in Downtown Vancouver today

Bob Frid / Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps players will be put to work today, but it has nothing to do with soccer.

It has everything to do with mental health.

Led by Russell Teibert and Thomas Sanner, Whitecaps and WFC2 players will be at 1248 Seymour Street (near the corner of Drake and Seymour) from 3 to 6 pm today, washing cars for charity. The car wash is taking place just around the corner from Covenant House, for which their fourth-annual #BuckUp for Mental Health campaign supports.

Covenant House Vancouver serves more than 1,300 homeless youth who access their services every year, many of whom struggle with mental illness.

Everyone who donates $50 at the car wash will receive a $50 Chevron gas gift card.

“A few dollars may not seem like much, but when we all come together for this worthwhile cause, we can make a big difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable youth in our community,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi.

This year’s campaign will culminate at the Whitecaps match on June 3 at BC Place.

Whitecaps co-owner Jeff Mallett is providing some additional incentive this year, promising to donate $25,000 if the $50,000 goal is reached.

“Each year, Whitecaps FC fans have helped us raise thousands of dollars for Covenant House Vancouver through the #BuckUp for Mental Health campaign,” said Mallett. “This year, if fans help us reach our $50,000 goal, club ownership will contribute an additional $25,000, for a total of $75,000 to support mental health programs for youth in Vancouver.”

Here are ways you can get involved in the campaign:

1. Raffle – new this year is a raffle with only 1,000 tickets available at a cost of $20 each. The grand prize is a pair of roundtrip tickets anywhere WestJet flies. Order your raffle tickets online at whitecapsfc.com/raffle.

2. Auction – fans can bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and unique items with all proceeds benefiting the campaign and Covenant House Vancouver. Check out the auction online at whitecapsfc.com/auctions.

3. Donate – at the match on June 3 or online at whitecapsfc.com/buckup.

See also