Soccer team makes care packages to help homeless women

What they do on the field unites them, but what they do off the field defines them.

With their soccer season coming to an end, the Port Moody Soccer Club Fireballs are planning to do something to help the least fortunate people in the Tri-Cities.

“We’re working on developing them not just as players but as productive people who are giving back to their community,” explained the team’s assistant coach Chloe Goodison.

The U16 squad is currently taking donations for care packages they plan to distribute to homeless women, particularly to some of the folks living in tents on Gordon Avenue.

The team was “super stoked” Goodison said, lauding the generosity of the teens.

“They were really excited to get another team-bonding activity underway.”

The plan is to assemble 100 care packages stocked with items like toothbrushes, bandages, first-aid kits, hygiene products and umbrellas.

The club is accepting donations, Goodison said, noting the particular need for soaps, socks, underwear, nail clippers and Tide skin packets. Tax receipts are available for donors who make cash donations.

To learn more about the initiative, click here.

The project is under the umbrella of NaloxHome, an organization spearheaded by Goodison and designed to educate young people about the drug toxicity crisis.

“So often, people are quick to be like, ‘you made one bad choice, this is your fault, you’re not a good person,’” she said. “As soon as we have that attitude, that’s exactly what prevents people who use drugs from accessing health care treatment and mental health resources.” 

NaloxHome has made presentations to more than 7,500 School District #43 students since 2021, Goodison said. 

Earlier this year, Goodison received $50,000 in funding through Mazda Canada’s Risin Legends program, which supports young people making positive changes in their community.

Gordon Avenue

One year after an independent report suggested 3030 Gordon Ave. might need a reset, Coquitlam council expressed frustration around what many described as a deteriorating situation on the block.

During a 2024 meeting, council agreed to send a letter to the province emphasizing the need for more supportive housing, mental health and substance use services.

“What they need is not a better cardboard box. What they need is government policy aimed at giving them their lives back,” Mayor Richard Stewart said at the time.