Advertisement

Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard’s legacy lives through family foundation

Click to play video: 'Maurice Richard Family Foundation holds 1st fundraiser'
Maurice Richard Family Foundation holds 1st fundraiser
WATCH ABOVE: Maurice Richard's son and granddaughter tell Global's Laura Casella about the first fundraiser for their family's foundation, which helps disadvantaged kids attend hockey school – Mar 2, 2018

Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard is among the best to ever lace up hockey skates and his family hopes to help kids play the game as well.

The Richard family honoured his legacy by starting the Maurice Richard Family Foundation, which will raise money to send underprivileged children to hockey camp.

READ MORE: Montreal Canadiens alumni entertain Moncton crowd in weekend fundraiser

Richard’s youngest son Jean Richard and granddaughter Claudia Richard joined Global’s Laura Casella to talk about the foundation and what it means to the Maurice Richard legacy.

Richard was known for his hardworking habits. He continued to work a day job when he first started in the NHL to support his family.

“The money wasn’t the same as these days for [players in] the NHL,” said Jean Richard.
Story continues below advertisement
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Richard himself came from a lower class neighbourhood during the Great Depression of the 1930s. He managed to overcome poverty and eventually made it to super-stardom.

READ MORE: Châteauguay high school hockey team adapts to change, inflation

The cost of Canada’s favourite game is growing. Claudia says the family launched the foundation two years ago to make hockey accessible for those that can’t afford it.

“We wanted to make a difference and help kids pursue a career or just have the passion of playing hockey,” said Claudia.

“We know that it’s hard to play hockey. It is expensive, compared to back in the day.”

The Maurice Richard Family Foundation’s first fundraiser will be an AHL hockey game when the Laval Rocket host the Belleville Senators at Laval’s Place Bell on March 10. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

Eight dollars from every ticket sold using a promo code RICHARD will go toward the foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the ticketmaster website.

More information about the event can be found on the Maurice Richard Family Foundation Facebook page.

Story continues below advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices