This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
Athletes at the highest level have joined the ranks of volunteers of the Cité de la Santé Foundation. By committing to the well-being and health of the Laval community, Jonathan Huberdeau and Charles Hamelin are committed to giving back what they have received.
If he settled in Florida to join the Panthers team in the National Hockey League for ten seasons, Jonathan Huberdeau has not forgotten his roots. “I find it very important to support the community where I come from,” says the left winger, who grew up in Saint-Jérôme. The former student of the Cap-Jeunesse school also participates every year in the golf tournament organized for the benefit of the Cougars Foundation, which works in this school to help young people.
The champion also remembers with gratitude that the Cité-de-la-Santé hospital was very important in his life and that of his loved ones. “I was born there, and my mother and aunt were treated there for breast cancer,” says the man who now supports this establishment as an ambassador for the Cité de la Santé Foundation.
“We have decided to create a golf tournament together in my name and that of the Foundation! he rejoices. The Jonathan Huberdeau tournament will take place at Le Mirage golf course on July 11. A very nice date, which the player’s many fans will have no trouble remembering, since it corresponds to the number on his jersey.
Support caregivers
As part of the #MaDoseDamour movement, launched in February 2022 to recognize the work of employees in the health and social services network throughout Quebec, Jonathan Huberdeau sent a touching message to these employees as an ambassador for the Foundation. “My daily life is different from yours, but know that I am thinking of you and I know how much your work changes and saves lives. Don’t give up, thank you for being there in Laval and everywhere in Quebec! he told them.
The striker knows that being known can make a difference. “It’s important for me to be able to help young people who play hockey or the sick,” he says. The champion, who has recovered from several injuries, is sensitive to suffering. “Sometimes the body needs time to recover, and that’s hard. But when you are lucky enough to be able to repair yourself, you can become even stronger, including mentally,” he encourages.
A couple’s commitment
Charles Hamelin became a father at the Cité-de-la-Santé hospital. “My daughter was born there, and the doctor who gave birth to my future wife, Geneviève Tardif, is also the one who gave birth to her,” says the four-time Olympic short-track speed skating champion. Their baby was born in the midst of a pandemic.
“We were supported in an incredible way and we heard that the Foundation was looking for ambassadors. We told them: we don’t know if you are interested, but we would be happy to help you”, says the one who “forms a good team” with his companion to support the Hospital. At Christmas, during the pandemic, the couple went to bring about thirty toys to the nurses so that they could be distributed to young patients.
The skater made his last official laps in April at the World Championships in Montreal, but he is about to trade his skates for a bike. He will participate in the 2022 edition of the Fondation’s 300 km Bike Challenge for LIFE.
“We went there last year to welcome the participants. I had tears in my eyes to see people arrive and everyone at the party! It made me want to participate even more this year,” he says.
Fulfill your dreams
Charles Hamelin takes his commitment to heart. “Not everyone is lucky enough to be an athlete, but it’s precious to be able to sign up for a sport, play with a team or with friends. Some can’t do it, because their health doesn’t allow it”, reminds the sportsman who wants to “raise more and more people’s awareness by making them understand that we are able to help people to be in good health for accomplish their dreams.
The skater and his companion, happy to collaborate with “incredible people at the Foundation”, did not have the opportunity to participate in large gatherings or parties given the pandemic. “We will be there, more present! he promises.