P.K. Subban completes landmark $10M donation to Montreal Children’s Hospital

Former Canadiens star P. K. Subban has completed the $10-million pledge he made to the Montreal Children’s Hospital more than a decade ago.

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation said Friday that Subban and his foundation had completed the commitment as part of the hospital’s “Unexpected Ways to Heal” fundraising campaign, describing Subban’s fundraising as the largest philanthropic commitment by a professional athlete in Canada. 

It is also one, the foundation added, that has ultimately helped about 100,000 children.

“It was difficult. Definitely had its difficulties,” Subban said in an interview with The Gazette ahead of the foundation’s gala Friday night.

“Was there any doubt in my mind? No, because I made a commitment that I was always gonna follow through on.”

Subban first announced the pledge in September 2015 while still playing for the Canadiens. He was traded to Nashville the year after.

The former defenceman said the years that followed tested him personally and professionally. He also pushed back against criticism and skepticism he faced after launching the initiative.

“At 23 years old, I think for people to see somebody take on that level of responsibility breeds questions,” Subban said.

“For those doubters, I hope they believe in themselves. Don’t doubt other people, just find that courage to believe in yourself, and believe that the impossible is possible, and we just proved that.”

Subban emphasized all money raised through the foundation went directly to the hospital.

“If you’re from Montreal, I don’t understand how you wouldn’t see that,” he said. “One hundred per cent of what we’ve raised goes to the kids.”

Subban’s effect extended far beyond the money itself, Renée Vézina, president of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, said.

“It remains the largest pledge by an athlete to date,” she said. “But it’s much more than that, because when P.K. started to get involved, they kind of placed the Children’s back in people’s minds and in the heart of Quebecers.”

Vézina said Subban repeatedly visited the hospital and developed close relationships with patients, families and staff.

Philanthropy, Vézina added, has become increasingly important as hospitals face financial pressure and public systems struggle with funding constraints.

“The government funds the basic care,” she said. “But philanthropy will find cures. Philanthropy will take care of the child and the family.”

Subban also briefly reflected on the current Canadiens team. “They’re writing their own path in history in this city, in this community, and I’m here for it. And they’re great kids. 
On a personal level, how can you not want to root for young guys like that living out their dream?”

His favourite player?

“My guy’s Lane Hutson,” he said. “I love what he brings.”

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