Georges Laraque and Nashville Predators defenceman Dan Hamhuis enjoyed some ball hockey with some Jamaican children Tuesday – Photo: NHLPA
Former Montreal Canadiens tough guy Georges Laraque arrived in Haiti on Tuesday as part of a joint delegation from the NHLPA and World Vision’s Hockey for Haiti program.
The program, initiated by Laraque, benefits the victims and families of the January 12 earthquake that devastated a large section of the country. The majority of the projects funds will support the Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince. The hospital is now operating an outpatient clinic from tents in the yard.
"To me, this is what life is all about,” said Laraque, who’s parents are from Haiti, in an NHLPA press release. “It's about people coming together to help those who are in need. It's unbelievable what the NHLPA has done. They know what is going on in the world and they know this initiative is very important."
Joining the delegation is Nashville Predators defenceman Dan Hamhuis, who leaped at the chance to help out.
“When the call from the NHLPA went out asking if players would be interested in traveling to Haiti for this initiative, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Hamhuis. “I’ve always wanted to visit a third-world country and to do it in this way, a chance to do a small part to help, makes it very special.”
Laraque and Hamhuis took part in a road hockey game with local kids on Tuesday.
The delegation will also visit the hospital, and announce progress on an auction of game worn jerseys from the 2010 Winter Olympics. The auction runs until the end of June. Information on how to bid can be found at www.ebay.ca/nhlpa or www.nhlpa.com/auctions.
Laraque and Hamhuis are scheduled to appear on a live chat with Yahoo! Puck Daddy on Wednesday at 2:30pm, to discuss their efforts.
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