When Jay DeMerit was captain of the 麻豆传媒映画Whitecaps, he wasn鈥檛 allowed to touch the soccer ball with his hands. There were no such rules on Thursday when he arm wrestled some pretty formidable opponents.
Seated at a table at Robson Square on Thursday, he went mano a mano with his former team鈥檚 mascot. Since Spike is a bird, with no arms to speak of, it was not really much of a contest. But on this day, it was not about competition. It was about being there for the children and families of B.C. Children鈥檚 Hospital.
DeMerit was one of several athletes who once again showed their support of Jeans Day by greeting the crowds at Robson Square.
鈥淭he main thing is it鈥檚 for the kids,鈥� DeMerit says of why he continues to take part, four years after his retirement from the team. 鈥淲e get wrapped up in our busy lives and forget about the people that really need our help the most, and certainly B.C. kids are at the top of that list. Anytime you can get a chance to support that is important for all of us.鈥�
The day has become a massively popular event over the decades. Despite temperatures topping 20 degrees, there was no shortage of people fully decked out in Canadian tuxedos (denim jackets and jeans.)
Jeans Day is consistently a financial success as well. Total donations have topped $21 million since its inception, with a goal of $1.1 million in fundraising for the 2018 edition.
The big highlight of the day was a barbecue hosted at Robson Square. The food was donated by Truffles Fine Foods to ensure that all proceeds went to the hospital.
Pamela Smith, communications specialist for the B.C. Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundation, says it鈥檚 amazing how many people have taken the campaign to heart.
鈥淲e鈥檝e had lots of great support from corporations, from schools, from individuals, from the media, and social media influencers,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really grateful to have the entire province come out and support us.鈥�
Smith explained how satisfying it is to see the first-hand impact of the fundraising efforts. A major recent development stemming from Jeans Day donations was the October 2017 opening of the Teck Acute Care Centre at B.C. Children鈥檚 Hospital. The new department serves as both an operating centre and a home away from home for children and families experiencing extended stays at the hospital.
Vancouver鈥檚 sports teams were also represented at the barbecue. Staff, mascots, and even a few athletes from the 麻豆传媒映画Canucks, 麻豆传媒映画Whitecaps, and B.C. Lions showed up to lend their support.
Jeans Day is already taking hold with the next generation as well. Seven-year-old Gianpaolo Faccio, whose mother Maria is VP and chief philanthropy officer for the BCCHF, explained why he felt it was important for people to participate.
鈥淚 once had pneumonia and B.C. Children鈥檚 Hospital helped me,鈥� Gianpaolo said.
