Flames to Repurpose Items from Johnny Gaudreau Memorial Event

The Calgary Flames are set to repurpose items left at a memorial for brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The initiative will transform these items into fundraising efforts for local charities. Among the projects planned are hockey-stick benches honoring the brothers.

On August 29, Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tragically lost their lives when, according to police, a drunken driver struck them while they were biking on a rural road in New Jersey. This incident occurred just before they were due to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins from Woodstown, New Jersey, is facing two charges of death by auto, plus reckless driving and alcohol-related offenses in a vehicle.

The Flames organization had established a 13-day memorial period at their arena, where fans could leave items to show support for the Gaudreau family. On Monday, the team announced their plans to create an “enduring tribute strategy” for the items collected during that period.

In their statement, the Flames expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the larger community during this tragic time. They mentioned how comforting the influx of love and solidarity has been for the family.

Before any items were taken down from the memorial, the Flames ensured to photograph all keepsakes and chalk drawings left there. This documentation will be compiled into a digital memory book, which the organization plans to present to the Gaudreau family, representing the fans’ expressions of sympathy.

Among the items left at the memorial, hockey sticks will be transformed into benches that will be used to raise funds for local charities. Each bench will feature a plaque that reads “In memory of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau,” honoring their legacy.

Jerseys that were placed at the memorial will undergo cleaning and then be crafted into cozy blankets. These blankets are intended for local charitable organizations, providing warmth and comfort to those in need.

The Calgary Flames Foundation also announced that it would donate a monetary contribution to the Calgary Food Bank, based on the number of bags of Skittles left at the memorial. Johnny Gaudreau fondly remembered his father using Skittles as a reward during his childhood skating lessons, further emphasizing the personal connections tied to the memorial.

Additionally, bottles of purple sports drink, which was Johnny Gaudreau’s favorite flavor, will be emptied and donated to the KidSport Calgary recycling initiative. This program helps promote sports involvement among youth, a cause the Gaudreau family likely would have supported.

Furthermore, stuffed animals like teddy bears that were left at the memorial will be given to Parachutes for Pets. This charity, also supported by Flames players Mikael Backlund and Mackenzie Weegar, assists children in foster care by providing resources that allow them to remain with their pets, thus bringing comfort during a difficult time.

Finally, any flowers collected from the memorial site will be sent for composting. The soil generated from these flowers will be utilized in community parks across the city, contributing to the growth of greenery in the area while serving as a living tribute to the brothers.

This heartfelt initiative ensures that the memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will live on, creating a positive impact in the community they cherished. Through these efforts, the Flames not only honor their memory but also support various local causes in their name.

Source: Various News Outlets