VANCOUVER, B.C - In the midst of a crucial juncture in their quest to make the MLS playoffs, the Vancouver Whitecaps took time out from their busy schedules to visit BC Children's Hospital this week. The entire roster and coaching staff toured BC Children's Hospital, visited kids, families, and put smiles on the faces of everyone they met.
The Whitecaps spent time signing autographs, posing for pictures, and colouring with young patients. The Whitecaps organization participates in hundreds of community events each and every year and this visit was something special everyone was looking forward to being a part of.
It was Erik Hurtado's first time visiting BC Children's Hospital. The former Santa Clara player had previously visited children in hospital during his university days, but not since joining the Whitecaps. Hurtado was happy to be able to give back to the community that has supported the Whitecaps on and off the pitch.
"It's really good to come in here and put some smiles on the kids faces as they put smiles on our faces and keep their minds off the real reason they are here, and talk about how they're doing, just let loose and relax a little bit."
If you can't hit the target or your latest haircut is out of sorts, none of that matters during a visit to BC Children's Hospital. The Whitecaps are young, healthy, and privileged to be able to play the game they love so much. 23 year-old Erik Hurtado found that this team outing put a lot of things in perspective that most people otherwise take for granted.
"It totally puts things in perspective, sometimes we take things for granted in life. These kids are happy and they have this going on in their lives so I could be happy with anything in my life."
Spending five or ten minutes visiting with a child and can really help boost their spirits and take their minds off what they are going through. It makes a huge difference when a professional athlete takes time out to make sure you're doing okay and feeling better. Not only do the children gain something by the visiting players, but so do the players.
"It's good to come here and do something different and do something in the community," Hurtado said.
Gershon Koffie gets a lot out of giving back and spending quality time in the community and especially at BC Children's Hospital. The 23 year-old has been shelved from the pitch with a deep bone bruise on his right foot. Despite sporting a stylish black walking boot he was still present and cheering up everyone he talked to.
"It's great for the team and individually it gives a good feeling, and good energy so I'm happy, I love being here."
Koffie is a strong believer in supporting the community and giving back to those who have supported him. Sometimes you don't have to open your wallet or splash out money to show that you care and want to make a difference.
"We have to give back to nature and community, whatever they give to us we have to give back. They don't need our money, the only way we can give back is by what we're doing. We make sure the kids are happy because some of them are in bad conditions and we say something to make them smile."
The Whitecaps brightened up the lives of children who are having to fight health conditions that nobody would want to sign up for. Darren Mattocks wasn't asked about his scoring troubles, Carl Robinson's tactics weren't called into question, and nobody marvelled at the passing abilities of Pedro Morales and Mauro Rosales. The Whitecaps spent time giving back, and the children they met will cherish every minute spent with their heroes.
When the final six matches are played this season the Whitecaps will have a new set of fans who will be smiling and happy as they point to the television or listen on the radio and recount those special moments spent with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Notes: The Vancouver Whitecaps take on the Portland Timbers on Saturday, September 20 at Providence Park.
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