Following the Dallas Stars’ training camp in Charlottetown on the weekend, Murray Harbour’s Brad Richards stopped in to visit the pediatric unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he made a donation of $500,000 to help children in his home province.
During the event, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation formally announced the establishment of a Brad Richards Named Endowment to help purchase medical equipment to help children.
“It is an exciting announcement for our Island hospital and, most importantly, the children and families the hospital serves,” said Allan Morse, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation chair.
This gift will be invested in perpetuity and the income earned each year will be directed toward medical equipment for children.
“It’s a great day for Prince Edward Island. The kindness Brad Richards has shown today is incredible and his gift will have a tremendous impact on our hospital for many years to come,” said Morse.
“P.E.I. is definitely a hockey province and we are extremely proud of Brad’s many hockey accomplishments. For him to make a gift where he got his first start in his career means so much.”
Richard’s gift was made in honour of his cousin and best friend, Jamie Reynolds, who passed away in 1989 with a brain tumour when he was seven years old and Richards was almost nine. On hand for the emotional announcement were members of the Richards and Reynolds family along with many of the pediatric nurses who cared for Jamie.
"The kindness Brad Richards has shown today is incredible and his gift will have a tremendous impact on our hospital for many years to come." - Allan Morse, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation chair
Richards says he had been waiting a long time to properly honour his cousin Jamie in his home province.
“I chose the hospital because I knew it was the charity that would have the largest impact on the most Island children,” says Richards. “I had a great childhood playing hockey in rinks throughout the Island, so this is a small ‘thank you’ to all Island families.”
“It’s been nice having my family here today to celebrate with me,” he continued. “I really enjoyed going into the pediatric department to meet some of the kids in hospital. Next time I’m back on the Island, I will definitely be stopping by to the hospital for a visit to the children's wing and will talk more with the pediatric nurses who remember Jamie when he was a patient there. This has been a great visit to P.E.I.”
Also during the weeken, Richards purchased Dallas Stars intrasquad game tickets for Island families with children being cared for at the hospital so they could attend the game. Following the game, the children had the opportunity to meet Richards and get his autograph and a photo with him.
Brad what a wonderful donation to such a great cause. So proud to know you.