Pro Hockey Player Purchases Suite So That Underprivileged Children Can Attend Games

October 13, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Wednesday that Jonathan Drouin has partnered with the Canadiens Children's Foundation to host less fortunate children at a Bell Centre suite for Habs games.

Drouin is making a personal annual contribution of $165,000 for the suite, which will bear the name "Jo et ses champions" (Jo and his champions).

"From the first day I got here, I wanted to get involved and do something for children by giving them an opportunity to enjoy memorable experiences. By giving them a chance to attend a hockey game, I am hoping that an evening in the suite will provide the kids and their families with some relief from the personal hardships they are facing," Drouin said in a statement. "They'll have a chance to be together and have a great time, and for me, it's an opportunity to contribute in my own way to their well-being."

It's the second major charitable donation for Drouin since being acquired by the Canadiens last summer. In September, he announced a $500,000 donation to the Fondation du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), and a pledge to help raise $5 million for the hospital.