Press Release - Habs Children's Foundation Donates Rink

MONTREAL CANADIENS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION DONATES THE FOURTH BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE OUTDOOR RINK TO LASALLE YOUTH

MONTREAL (October 19, 2010) – The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce that Hayward Park in LaSalle Borough has been selected as the site of the fourth outdoor community BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rink. Construction will begin in August 2011.

The Foundation determines the location of each multipurpose rink and infrastructure by working closely with Montreal’s major community and social organizations, such as Québec en Forme, Centraide of Greater Montreal, public health leaders, sports and recreation groups, as well as diverse municipal organizations. The implementation of each multifunctional rink is also the result of concerted efforts and strategic mobilization aimed at helping youth in their development. The committee conducts a thorough analysis by studying all site proposals and statistics that will best benefit children before a location is officially determined.

BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE RINK #3: construction under way in Verdun
Thanks to a major donation by the Hockey Canada Foundation, which was announced in June 2009, the third BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rink will be unveiled over the next few months at Willibrord Park in the borough of Verdun. Construction is currently under way as the Foundation’s partners, entrepreneurs and volunteers continue to work hard in order to offer youth of the area a rink with quality ice throughout winter. Because the success of the BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE program relies on the tireless efforts of volunteers and community organizers from many sectors, the Foundation is proud to team up with the community in offering a truly unique program that contributes to the quality of life and health of thousands of children.

Youth on the move in Saint-Michel and Montreal North!
Winter 2009 saw the construction of the first outdoor rink at François-Perrault Park in Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, and, in January 2010, the second rink was unveiled at Le Carignan Park in Montreal North. This has resulted in more than 3,000 hours of physical activity by local school children, members of community organizations and residents. As well, more than 10,000 youth and citizens have used the BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE rinks for various activities, both during summer and winter. Part of the resounding success of this program is a result of continuous efforts by Vivre Saint-Michel en Santé et Écoles et milieux en santé, a group that facilitates the use of these rinks by the communities involved.

BLEU BLANC BOUGE at a glance
BLEU, BLANC, BOUGE is the Montreal Children’s Foundation flagship project. This exciting initiative calls for the construction of five refrigerated outdoor multipurpose community rinks built at a cost of one million dollars each, which can accommodate various sports activities in less privileged neighborhoods in the greater Montreal area. These rinks are recognized as recreational and gathering centers, where physical exercise allows local children to learn more about adopting healthy lifestyles and enjoying sports. The Foundation has launched these rinks with the help of key partners, including the FTQ and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, in collaboration with the City of Montreal’s blue collar workers, members of FTQ Construction and regional entrepreneurs who offer financial and material resources, as well as volunteer labour. The Foundation also relies on the expertise of Arena Design Services when it comes to selecting rink products and services, and Québec en Forme, which helps the Foundation in finding sites and community partners, as well as the development of each site and measuring the impact of the program on local communities.

About the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation: The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation is determined to provide a better and healthier future for children in need, and is committed to encourage and promote a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth. Since its inception in August 2000, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to over 400 charitable groups working to support the well-being of children across Quebec.

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