By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
When Seattle Sounders FC learned the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe needed water after an unfortunate gas spill occurred right before it was set to host Canoe Journey, the organization didn’t hesitate to step up to lend a helping hand.
Working with Puyallup Tribe World Cup 2026 Project Director Amy McFarland and the Tribe’s Events Department, the Sounders donated three and a half pallets of various types of drinking water/juice for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s Canoe Journey hosting on July 29.
Events Operation Coordinator Floyd Sharp picked up the water from the Sounders facility in Renton, filling up the truck bed and trailer attached to the brim before he departed for the nearly three-hour trek to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
The pallets included a mix of regular bottled water, sparkling water and orange juice. Sounders employees also donated their own cases of water in addition to what was already supplied.
Seattle Sounders FC Account Manager Kelsey Chan said partnerships should go beyond the field and outside of the stadium.
“Our partnership is with the Puyallup Tribe, but in growing that relationship we are learning more about the other Tribes and communities out there. Water is sacred, and it’s our shared responsibility to protect it,” Chan said. “We are very proud to stand with and support the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. On behalf of the club, we hope the communities and families can get the water they need and go back to living a more normal life. We look forward to supporting them in any way that we can.”
McFarland said the Sounders have been great partners on multiple levels and are committed to social and community impact.
“I made the call and they absolutely answered it right away. It means the world and it shows they (Sounders) are going to step up when the need is there,” McFarland said. “To know that when there is a need and it is filled so quickly just demonstrates their commitment to doing good, not only with our partnership, but for the larger community.”
