Last week, Montreal Alouettes players took to the roads of Montreal, stopping off at three youth centers to celebrate "Hooked on School Days" with youths under the Director of Youth Protection (DYP). The DYP protects children and youths whose safety and development are compromised. The Grey Cup made its way to Pierrefonds-Roxboro on Thursday.
PHOTO: Montréal Alouettes. From left to right: Martin Bédard, Nancy Audet, Frédéric Chagnon, Fabienne Audette, David Côté and Mark Weightman.
The visit was in collaboration with the Fondation DPJ, which supports DYP young people in covering costs associated with tuition, school supplies, tutoring, and scholarship opportunities. Currently, only 25% of DYP youth graduated from high school by the age of 19 (they are four times less likely to graduate than the average Quebec student).
The Alouettes program is an opportunity to support these youths and let them know that the players and staff are here for them. Als Kicker David Côté, his teammate, Linebacker Frédéric Chagnon, and former player Martin Bédard were in attendance. Nancy Audet, Sponsor of the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ, Fabienne Audette, Director General of the Foundation, and Mark Weightman, President and Chief Director of the Montréal Alouettes, joined the players.
"We're proud to partner with the DPJ Youth Foundation and to shine a light on the community once again," said Montreal Alouettes President and CEO Mark Weightman. "Our players serve as role models in society, and if they can help our future adults stay in school, a whole generation will benefit."
The Foundation has awarded 489 scholarships for perseverance and graduation over the last two years and has supported 1,446 young people aged 5 to 17 throughout their academic careers.
"Talking about the importance of staying in school is essential! Introducing DPJ youth to inspiring role models who, like them, have overcome challenges is an important source of motivation," says Fabienne Audette, Executive Director of the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ, who went on to thank the Alouettes and the Foundation's partners.
SOURCE: Montréal Alouettes
