Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Vancouver Aquarium have joined forces to help save the aquarium by selling face masks.
The organization will be giving all net proceeds to save the civic landmark amid the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the under-the-sea attraction announced it could permanently close due to the coronavirus crisis, and issued a call for urgent support.
“It is devastating to imagine that the Vancouver Aquarium may cease to exist, but that is the reality we are fighting against. We have done everything in our power to reduce costs, but we still have more than 70,000 animals that need expert care,” said Lasse Gustavsson, Ocean Wise president and CEO. “We are so grateful to have an organization like the Whitecaps reach out to offer their support and mobilize to create an initiative like this so quickly.”
More than 25 ‘Caps staff members are volunteering in the rescue effort, providing hundreds of labour hours in outreach efforts to Vancouver Aquarium members, donors, and supporters.
“From our ownership group on down, the Whitecaps exist to unite and inspire our community,” added Mark Pannes, Whitecaps FC CEO. “We understand how important this beloved institution, the Vancouver Aquarium, is not only to our city and province but also to the country. We also know the club occupies a special role in our city and when we can rally Vancouver to protect such a civic asset, we must.”
The soccer club says this is more than just selling masks, but about coming together as a community.
“It truly does take a village in a crisis like this, and importantly we are producing the masks locally to support local manufacturers and workers,” said Pannes.
The face masks sport special designs, drawing inspiration from the ‘Caps crest and the Vancouver Aquarium. Made of 100 per cent polyester, the masks can be washed and reused, and are made in the Lower Mainland.
Whitecaps FC player Lucas Cavallini and his family sporting the new facemasks to be sold to help save the Vancouver Aquarium | Whitecaps FC
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this initiative with the Whitecaps to help our aquarium,” Mark Trotzuk, Alliance Mercantile Inc. and Boardroom Clothing vice president. “Most importantly, using these face masks will ensure we are reserving medical masks and N95 respirators for our health care workers.”
The face masks, which come in different sizes and designs, are available for order on the Vancouver Aquarium’s website as well as the Whitecaps FC website. Adult masks are available for $19.99 and kid’s masks for $17.99, plus tax and shipping. with all net proceeds from the sales will going to the Vancouver Aquarium.
Rebecca Lawrence
