Dear friends, family, and community,

We are reaching out to you today to help raise funds for an incredible man, a loving father, a devoted grandfather, and a selfless coach who has impacted countless lives. John Martins has given so much of himself to his family, his community, and the sport of football, and now he needs our support.

A Life of Service to Football and Family

Coach John has been a staple in the Lower Mainland football community for decades. He has poured his heart and soul into every player and every team he’s been a part of. In fact, he’s coached with no child of his own on the team for many of those years, simply because he loves the game and the kids he trains.

In 1987, his football coaching legacy with White Rock began. John’s coaching career is filled with accolades, notably including Eight Provincial Championships, Winner of City of Surrey Award for his outstanding service to the community and football and Two-time winner of BC Lions Orange Helmet Award (Coach of the Year) to name a few. John has also mentored players who have progressed to play at the Junior, University levels, and even CFL and NFL.

Despite being a coach with a legacy of success, John has never sought the spotlight. More than just a coach – John is a pillar of support for everyone around him. He is committed to developing not only strong competitors but also productive young adults with a big emphasis on life skills extending from helping players improve their game to offering guidance to those struggling with career challenges, addiction, or difficult home-life situations. As he recovers, he intends to continue to coach for many more years.

The Challenges John Has Faced

While John’s coaching career has been filled with triumphs, the past few years have been anything but easy for him.

Since 2020, John was on medical leave from work and has not been able to work since and has had no income coming in. The financial strain has been overwhelming. He was on a waiting list for knee surgery but before his knee surgery was scheduled, a more serious medical issue arose, and John had to undergo open-heart surgery in January 2021. The heart issues are believed to have led to ongoing circulation issues.

In August 2024, he developed a severe infection in his foot. Despite aggressive treatments, by April 2025, the infection caused significant damage to the foot leading to tissue death and he was admitted to Royal Columbian Hospital. Through his time in the hospital, John spent 57 days during which he underwent 4 surgeries trying to preserve his foot as much as possible: first the removal of 2 toes; second, the removal of another toe and lower part of his foot; thirdly, an artery bypass to try and reroute blood flow; and ultimately ended up with an amputation below the knee on June 9, 2025.

The Road to Recovery

At the age of 63, John finds himself modifying from an active lifestyle to a physically limited one. Healing from the leg amputation alone will take 6 months to 1 year. Adjusting to life without a limb can take even more time, with emotional and mental support often being required as an important part of the recovery process. John is hoping to acclimatize easier with the use of a prosthetic leg instead of life in a wheelchair with the ultimate goal to get back on his feet, walking, so he can continue supporting his family and community while cherishing more time with his beloved grandson.

While he has help from some of his close friends and immediate family, the expenses related to his medical care and limited income are incredibly high. John’s wife, Colleen, is currently the sole income provider for their family, and she can only work three days a week due to a pre-existing concussion.

John’s insurance coverage is limited to $1,000, with an additional $1,000 from the War Amps. However, the cost of a prosthetic leg is estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

On top of that, John’s home is not fully equipped to accommodate his new physical needs. He still needs a ramp for both the front and back stairs of his house, as well as a raised bed on the main floor. A major renovation will also be required to add rails for the stairs, and to convert the bathtub into a walk-in shower — estimated at $8,000 to $15,000. There will also be ongoing rehabilitation and medications costs to cover and simply keeping up with normal life expenses, such as their mortgage and household bills.

How You Can Help

We are asking for your support to help John and his family during this incredibly challenging time.

The funds raised will go directly to:

• Prosthetic leg

• Home renovations for accessibility

• Medical and Rehabilitation Costs

John Martins’ motto, "One Team, One Goal, One Family," isn’t just something he says—it's how he lives.

Whether you’re donating, sharing this page, or sending your thoughts and prayers, you are helping a man who has devoted himself to bettering the lives of others.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

#SupportJohnMartins #FootballCoach #CoachJohnMartins #WhiteRockFootball #TitansFootball

Who am I and why I started this Go-Fund-Me for John Martin?

John coached me throughout my childhood in White Rock, B.C. He immediately earned my respect with his straightforward communication, dedication and patience as he guided myself and my teammates through the rigours of the game, the intricacies of the plays and the emotional turmoil that naturally comes to young boys turning into young men.

I can attest to John’s impact on my growth, both personally and professionally. His influence helped shape the man I am today. I now have had the privilege of coaching alongside him, and I draw on his wealth of knowledge and leadership.

I’m currently witnessing my friend and mentor struggle to afford necessities, with the overwhelming costs of medical devices and home modifications needed for his new way of life. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.