The Calgary Flames are finding a unique way to honor the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident. The team is repurposing items left at a memorial for the brothers to fundraise for local charities and create lasting tributes in their honor.
Memorial for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau, a former Calgary Flames player, and his brother, Matthew, were involved in a fatal accident caused by a drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. The brothers were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding the following day, highlighting the devastating impact of their untimely deaths. In response to this tragedy, the Flames set up a memorial at their arena where fans could leave keepsakes to show support for the Gaudreau family.
The outpouring of love and support from Flames fans and the community during the dedicatory period was overwhelming. The team expressed their gratitude for the care and concern demonstrated by everyone during this difficult time. All items left at the memorial, including jerseys, hockey sticks, and flowers, were carefully documented through photographs to create a digital memory book for the Gaudreau family.
Repurposing Memorabilia for Good
The Calgary Flames announced an “enduring tribute strategy” to repurpose the items left at the memorial in a way that would benefit local charities. Hockey sticks that were left as tributes will be transformed into hockey stick benches, which will be used in fundraising efforts for charitable organizations. These benches will bear plaques that read “In memory of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau,” ensuring that the brothers’ legacy lives on in a meaningful way.
In addition to the hockey stick benches, jerseys left at the memorial will be laundered and repurposed into blankets that will be donated to local charitable organizations. The Calgary Flames Foundation will also make a financial contribution to the Calgary Food Bank based on the number of bags of Skittles left at the memorial. Skittles were Johnny Gaudreau’s favorite candy, used by his father to entice him to learn how to skate as a child.
Bottles of purple sports drink, another favorite of Johnny Gaudreau, will be emptied and donated to the KidSport Calgary recycling program. This initiative not only supports recycling efforts but also pays tribute to Johnny’s personal preferences. Stuffed toys, such as teddy bears, left at the memorial will be donated to Parachutes for Pets, a charity that helps children in care stay with their beloved pets.
Creating Lasting Tributes
The repurposing of memorial items goes beyond just fundraising for charities. It allows the community to come together and create lasting tributes to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The hockey stick benches, made from sticks left by fans, will serve as a tangible reminder of the brothers’ love for the sport and their impact on the community.
The blankets made from laundered jerseys will provide comfort to those in need, carrying with them the spirit of generosity and compassion that characterized Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The financial contributions to the Calgary Food Bank and other charitable organizations serve as a testament to the brothers’ legacy of giving back to the community.
By repurposing the items left at the memorial, the Calgary Flames are not only honoring the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau but also embodying the spirit of resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. The community’s support and generosity during this difficult time are a testament to the lasting impact that the Gaudreau brothers had on those around them.