MONTREAL (December 5, 2011) – With Christmas just around the corner, the Montreal Canadiens family will once again be actively involved in several traditional initiatives in the community.

 

For the 47th consecutive year, players and members of the Canadiens’ organization will visit young patients at the Sainte-Justine and Montreal Children’s Hospitals on Wednesday December 7. Players will meet with children in their rooms and present each child with a gift. Visits will get under way at 2 p.m. at both hospitals with the team split up in two groups in order to give as many children as possible the opportunity to share some precious moments with their favorites.

 

In support of the Grande Guignolée des médias, the Montreal Canadiens will once again be holding a food drive at the Bell Centre on Thursday December 8. On that day, fans attending the game against the Vancouver Canucks are invited to bring non-perishable food items. The players’ spouses along with volunteers from Harvest Montreal, Sun Youth and La Société Saint-Vincent-de-Paul will collect donations at the Bell Centre entrances.

 

In the spirit of the Holidays, the players and their wives and girlfriends generously support the initiative of Normand Brault, cofounder of Opération Père Noël, by granting the wish of a number of children who might have been left out Santa’s list. Prior to the game between the Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday December 15, the players’ spouses will be wrapping the gifts they have purchased for the children. Opération Père Noël collaborates with several organizations helping underprivileged children and their families such as Youth Centers, CSSS and schools.

The Canadiens in the community Throughout the year, the Canadiens’ Community Relations Department organizes a vast array of events for hockey fans as well as charitable organizations. The Montreal Canadiens are proud to contribute to Montreal and Quebec’s heritage, not only through their on-ice accomplishments, but also with their commitment to the community.