On April 4th, 2024, the Vancouver FC, a premier football team in Canada, unveiled a distinctly unique 'Cherry Blossom' alternate football kit for the 2024 season, crafted by Macron. This aesthetically pleasing kit is more than just a fashion statement; it serves as a nod to Pink Shirt Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about bullying nationwide. This strategic move is poised to differentiate them from their hometown rivals, MLS's Vancouver Whitecaps, who have also recently introduced a bold new alternate jersey for the upcoming season.
Through the release of this jersey, Vancouver FC is painting a poignant picture symbolic of Vancouver's magnificent cherry blossom season. Imagine the city's 40,000 cherry trees brimming with flowers, casting an ethereal pink hue on the streets, with these blossoms heralding the arrival of the eagerly awaited spring season. Announced on Twitter, all proceeds from the sale of this breathtaking cherry blossom-themed jersey will support the 'Pink Shirt Day' charity. The Pink Shirt Day campaign is dedicated to confronting and combating the pervasive issue of bullying.
Vancouver FC's Cherry Blossom Kit boldly deviates from the brand's typical black and red color scheme, opting instead for a pink motif that clearly sets it apart. The already released Eagle-inspired home shirt from the club pales in comparison to this cherry blossom beauty. This striking choice in uniform color embodies the very spirit of Pink Shirt Day and the battle against bullying, a defining feature of this collaboration with Macron.
"As a club that prides itself on putting the betterment of the community at the forefront of our mission, it was incredibly important to use our Cherry Blossom Kit as an opportunity to give back,” said Stephanie Wood, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Vancouver FC. “Designing our own Pink Shirt, which was inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, and contributing to the Pink Shirt Campaign was an obvious choice" voiced Stephanie Wood, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Vancouver FC. "Designing our own Pink Shirt, which was inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, and contributing to the Pink Shirt Campaign was an obvious choice."
Sara Dubois-Phillips, Executive Director of the Pink Shirt Day, explains the social dimension of the Pink Shirt movement as a nod towards the importance of "Lifting Each Other Up". The intent goes beyond merely wearing pink shirts; it's about sparking meaningful discussions, raising awareness of the repercussions of bullying behavior, and highlighting the imperatives of kindness, compassion, empathy, and promoting healthy self-esteem.
Wood reflects on the universality of bullying, stating, "The social movement of Pink Shirt Day creates opportunity for conversations and awareness about the impacts of bullying behaviour and the importance of “Lifting Each Other Up” with kindness," This sentiment clearly influenced their decision to support the Pink Shirt Day campaign both on and off the field, with players donning the Cherry Blossom Kit and the organization contributing a portion of the profits from every kit sold this season to the campaign.
Sara Dubois-Phillips concludes with a pressing remark, "By supporting this year’s campaign, you are funding organizations and programs that promote healthy self-esteem, empathy, compassion, and kindness." Vancouver FC is proud to contribute to this cause.
Grab your exclusive Vancouver FC Cherry Blossom kit via shopvancouverfc.com and contribute to the glory of Vancouver. Keep tabs with us and stay involved!
