Sport
Canadian ice hockey star, P.K. Subban donates $10 million to Montreal Children’s Hospital

Canadian professional ice hockey star Pernell Karl “P. K.” Subban and his foundation have pledged at least CAD$10 million (US$ to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
The hospital is calling the donation the largest philanthropic commitment ever made by a professional athlete in Canada.
The agreement will have Subban, 26, become a spokesman for certain fundraising campaigns and flagship events organized by the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
On Wednesday, in recognition of the donation, the Children’s inaugurated the “P.K. Subban Atrium,” located at the heart of the hospital’s new facilities.
“It is really an amazing feeling to be here,” Subban said. “I am proud to walk in the footsteps of my idol Jean Beliveau by giving back to the community and feel privileged to be able to help transform the lives of sick children and their families.”
“Montreal has become my second home,” said Subban, who was born in Toronto. “I hope to remain here, here in Montreal, for a very, very long time.”
Subban was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007 and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2013. He is entering his sixth full season with the team. Subban signed an 8-year deal worth US$72 million prior to the beginning of last season.
The $10 million from the hockey player’s foundation, paid out over seven years, will be used in part for a fund called P.K.’s Helping Hands, which will help families struggling financially with a child’s illness.
Subban talked about a trip he took to Haiti shortly after the 2010 earthquake and how that experience shaped his perception of his path in life. “When I came back to Canada, I made a point to myself that I was not going to allow my profession to dictate how I live my life,” he said.
Subban has been quietly visiting children at the hospital for the past few months, Martine Alfonso, the associate executive director of the Montreal Children’s Hospital said.
On hand for the announcement Wednesday morning were Subban’s parents and his sisters, Élise Béliveau, the wife of late Montreal Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau, and Michel Lacroix, head announcer of the Montreal Canadiens.
Source: Associated Press
