Based on the pleasant reaction of the children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver (BGCGV) upon receiving a foosball table generously donated by DirectBuy of Vancouver, the game is still a hit with today's youth.

Made by one of the finest foosball manufacturers, the regulation-size foosball table retails for around $600 in U.S. dollars. DirectBuy of Vancouver Co-Owners Jade and Jaret Allen delivered the table to the Fraserview Club in Vancouver, well in time for their summer camp programs.

"Summer is one of our busiest times of the year and we try to spend as much time in the outdoors as possible. But as everyone knows, Vancouver weather can be quite unpredictable and it is at these times we revert to the gym and other indoor programs," says Tracey Cooke, director of operations, BGCGV. "The foosball table is a very popular activity in the Clubs and we thank DirectBuy of Vancouver for this thoughtful gesture and generous donation, which will both draw and excite the kids.

Founded in 1936, BGCGV is a leading provider of programs and services that support the healthy, educational and social development of 4,000 young people and their families in the community every year. Dedicated trained staff and volunteers offer professional services in physical, educational, leadership and social recreation, as well as a summer wilderness camp experience, substance abuse services and parent support programs.

BGCGV creates a safe, supportive environment where children, youth and families can experience new opportunities, a sense of belonging, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and life skills.

BGCGV has an ‘open door' policy and aspires to provide service to every child, youth and family who comes to their door. Their substance abuse services are free of charge and Club services, including Camp, are provided at an absolute minimal cost. Thanks to the kind generosity of volunteers, donors and sponsors, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

The Fraserview Club is the largest of six clubs, and approximately 43 languages are spoken by children and staff. The Clubs offer a host of activities: recreational and games room, woodworking and pottery, music classes, computer lab, gym and hockey tournaments, homework clubs, out-trips and much more. All the adult role models (staff and volunteers) are screened and trained before starting work.

"To us, being a member of the business community in Vancouver also means being a member of the community in general, just like our members. So when we make a donation to a place like the Boys & Girls Clubs, we're not only helping out a worthy cause, but one that probably benefits our members, their families, and their friends and neighbors, and that's always worthwhile," said Jaret Allen, co-owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver."

DirectBuy franchises across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children's Hospital.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 604-251-5822 or visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. For more information on Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver please visit http://www.bgc-gv.bc.ca or call 604-879 6554.

About DirectBuy
Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members' hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members' dream projects a reality. It's a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 150 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor's Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca.

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver
Founded in 1936 and incorporated as a charitable organization in 1938, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs of Greater Vancouver provides a wide range of social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development. Summer camp, low cost recreational programs, alcohol and drug misuse counseling, licensed child care and parent support are just a few of the programs provided on seasonal and daily basis by core staff and over 1,200 volunteers to over 6,000 young people annually. For more information, visit http://www.bgc-gv.bc.ca or cal 604-879 6554.