Alouettes put smiles on kids' faces during annual hospital visits
September 2, 2014 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release
Montreal, September 2, 2014 - The Montreal Alouettes' organization took a break from football for several hours on Tuesday, as the team went to meet some of their very favourite fans, as they visited children and their families at Sainte-Justine Hospital, the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Children. These hospital visits reprensent one of the team's many community initiatives.
"This is a particularly special day for the staff and for the team," said Mark Weightman, president and C.E.O. of the Montreal Alouettes. "As a sports organization, we are indebted to everyone in our community. For a few hours, we exchange roles with our fans; it's our turn to encourage and support them in the game of their lives. It is a unique feeling to see all the players and staff members come together to thank our fans in this way".
Divided into three groups, each including members from the coaching staff, cheerleaders and team mascot Touche, the Alouettes players met with more than 200 hospitalized children and their families. In addition to words of encouragement, the Alouettes took this opportunity to hand out gifts, sign autographs and have their pictures taken with the children and their families. Based on the broad smiles on the children's faces and the positive atmosphere, the Alouettes' visit was a resounding success.
Number 58 of the Alouettes, Luc Brodeur-Jourdain says, "The courage and strength of character of these children and their families is amazing. I consider us very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a meeting of the sort". The Alouettes' center player then added, "Every year, these get-togethers represent real life lessons for my teammates and me. These are emotions we can never get accustomed to."
Playing a leading role in the community continues to be a priority for the Montreal Alouettes. Players visit kids in schools every year through the Together at School with CN and the Alouettes program, as they encourage Quebec students to achieve success in the classroom as well as in their personal lives. The team is also involved in several initiatives to support amateur football in Quebec.
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