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Defenseman P.K. Subban gave Montreal Canadiens fans another reason to love him today, and he didn’t even need to put his skates on. In what amounts to be the largest philanthropic contribution ever by a Canadian athlete, Subban has committed $10 million dollars to the Montreal Children’s Hospital. The Children's Hospital has in turn named its atrium after P.K. Subban.
Some people in the hockey world thought that the Canadiens overpaid Subban when he signed his 8 year, $72 million (AAV of $9 million) last Summer. It is astonishing and incredibly unselfish of Subban to be donating more than a full year’s worth of his salary to the Montreal Children’s. Few people in this world have the ability to financially make such a difference in people’s lives. Subban could have given one hundredth of that amount and he still would have been acclaimed for his generosity. Subban has given his all to Montreal on the ice, each and every night. Today he has given back to his adopted city in a way that makes the Stanley Cup irrelevant. Subban has made found a way to make a difference in the lives of Montrealers, one that will leave a lasting legacy.
#GottaSeeIt - P.K. Subban's $10-million “biggest philanthropic commitment by a sports figure in Canadian history… http://t.co/tWUYQkPeRe
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 16, 2015To anyone who dares to criticize Subban’s donation, I have no time for you. Subban did not decide on this donation because of a tax credit, he did not do it to try to get a leg up on Max Pacioretty for the vacant captaincy and he did not do it for publicity. P.K. Subban made this contribution because he is a good (understatement) person, brought up with the highest values and morals and wants to make a positive impact on people’s lives. In other words, Subban is a mensch. It also spoke volumes that he had Elise Beliveau, the late Jean Beliveau’s widow in attendance at the announcement. Monsieur Beliveau was Subban’s idol and I believe everyone got a little choked up when Subban said he hoped to make him proud:
“Mme Béliveau j’espère faire honneur à votre mari." - P.K. Subban
Translated:
"Mrs. Béliveau I hope to make your husband proud"
Tremendous
— Ðrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) September 16, 2015While it was already known that Subban was taking French lessons, it was a pleasant surprise that much of his speech was actually given in French, with a perfect accent no less. When Subban sets his mind to do something, he will give more than 100% each and every time. Subban gets what it means to wear the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge night in and night out. He gets the language divide in Montreal and how hockey has the ability to unite everyone together. He gets what is truly important in life, health and happiness. Today he was able to give both.
Cheers and follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler