Former Canadiens star P. K. Subban has completed the $10-million pledge he made to the Montreal Children\u2019s Hospital more than a decade ago.<\/p>\n
The Montreal Children\u2019s Hospital Foundation said Friday that Subban and his foundation had completed the commitment as part of the hospital\u2019s \u201cUnexpected Ways to Heal\u201d fundraising campaign, describing Subban\u2019s fundraising as the largest philanthropic commitment by a professional athlete in Canada.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is also one, the foundation added, that has ultimately helped about 100,000 children.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was difficult. Definitely had its difficulties,\u201d Subban said in an interview with The Gazette ahead of the foundation\u2019s gala Friday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cWas there any doubt in my mind? No, because I made a commitment that I was always gonna follow through on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subban first announced the pledge in September 2015 while still playing for the Canadiens. He was traded to Nashville the year after.<\/p>\n
The former defenceman said the years that followed tested him personally and professionally.\u00a0He also pushed back against criticism and skepticism he faced after launching the initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 23 years old, I think for people to see somebody take on that level of responsibility breeds questions,\u201d Subban said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor those doubters, I hope they believe in themselves. Don\u2019t doubt other people, just find that courage to believe in yourself, and believe that the impossible is possible, and we just proved that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subban emphasized all money raised through the foundation went directly to the hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re from Montreal, I don\u2019t understand how you wouldn\u2019t see that,\u201d he said. \u201cOne hundred per cent of what we\u2019ve raised goes to the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subban\u2019s effect extended far beyond the money itself, Ren\u00e9e V\u00e9zina, president of the Montreal Children\u2019s Hospital Foundation, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt remains the largest pledge by an athlete to date,\u201d she said. \u201cBut it\u2019s much more than that, because when P.K. started to get involved, they kind of placed the Children\u2019s back in people\u2019s minds and in the heart of Quebecers.\u201d<\/p>\n
V\u00e9zina said Subban repeatedly visited the hospital and developed close relationships with patients, families and staff.<\/p>\n
Philanthropy, V\u00e9zina added, has become increasingly important as hospitals face financial pressure and public systems struggle with funding constraints.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government funds the basic care,\u201d she said. \u201cBut philanthropy will find cures. Philanthropy will take care of the child and the family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Subban also briefly reflected on the current Canadiens team. \u201cThey\u2019re writing their own path in history in this city, in this community, and I\u2019m here for it. And they\u2019re great kids. \u2029On a personal level, how can you not want to root for young guys like that living out their dream?\u201d<\/p>\n
His favourite player?<\/p>\n
\u201cMy guy\u2019s Lane Hutson,\u201d he said. \u201cI love what he brings.\u201d<\/p>\n
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