by Christopher BottaFiled under: Canadiens, Predators
During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, National Hockey League players have also demonstrated away from the playing surface that they have some of the biggest hearts in pro sports.
The NHL Players Association has raised more than $1 million to help rebuild a Haiti children's hospital that was severely damaged during the earthquake of January 12. Nashville defenseman Dan Hamhuis and veteran tough guy Georges Laraque visited the Grace Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince on Friday to share the news with staff, patients and their families.
The money, kicked off with an initial donation of $100,000 from the NHLPA's Goals & Dreams fund, was raised through "Hockey for Haiti", a joint initiative of Laraque, the players association and World Vision Canada. The NHL also donated $100,000 and funds were raised through private donations and auctions of hockey memorabilia.
"Returning to Haiti to see the situation in my homeland and at this hospital today has been an emotional experience for me," said Laraque, most recently a member of the Montreal Canadiens. "My goal is that Hockey for Haiti will bring hope to kids in Port-au-Prince who are going through so much."
Operated by International Child Care, Grace Children's Hospital is one of Haiti's leading pediatric centers dedicated to the treatment of children with tuberculosis, HIV and other diseases. The facility is now unsafe to enter and the inpatient ward is closed. The hospital's staff is currently running an outpatient clinic from tents in the yard.
"All of us at International Child Care and Grace Children's Hospital are thankful for the incredible generosity of NHL players and hockey fans," said Dr. John Yates, the director of International Child Care. It renews our strength as we work to bring health and hope to children suffering from diseases like tuberculosis and HIV."
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