Gaudreau Brothers Foundation Launches on Birthday, Supporting Youth Hockey and Drunk-Driving Families

Gaudreau Brothers Foundation Launches on Birthday, Supporting Youth Hockey and Drunk-Driving Families

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John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation launches on Johnny Gaudreau’s birthday to honor brothers and support youth hockey, families affected by drunk driving

On what would have been Johnny Gaudreau’s 32nd birthday, Meredith Gaudreau and Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s wife, stepped into the national spotlight to publicly introduce the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation on ABC’s Good Morning America. The couple said they took their time to launch the foundation properly, already receiving a meaningful wave of donations as momentum grew.

The foundation formally launched in March and exists to keep the memory of Johnny and Matthew alive while giving back to the hockey community and broader causes. Meredith explained that the idea grew from the brothers’ own roots in hockey—how their father, a coach, helped shape their paths and how John and Matty always gave back to youth hockey—plus a desire to support families touched by tragedy and by drunk driving.

Johnny Gaudreau, who played eight NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames and was preparing for his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Matthew Gaudreau, who would have turned 30 this December, were killed on August 29, 2024, after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey, one day before their sister’s wedding. Meredith recalled the moment in the interview, describing the last time she saw John as he kissed their family goodbye in the driveway.

The foundation’s mission centers on two pillars: supporting youth hockey communities with clinics and resources, and assisting families affected by drunk driving. The site states that John and Matty were known not only for their hockey talents but also for their kindness, and the foundation exists to continue making a positive impact in their honor.

Meredith, who serves as co-president with Madeline, said the possibility of starting the foundation emerged in the days after the loss, driven by the overwhelming desire of friends, fans, and teammates to contribute in a meaningful way. The color scheme of the foundation reflects the brothers’ personalities: black in honor of Johnny and bright green for Matty.

Support for the foundation has been overwhelming. Meredith shared messages from fans around the world who say they were touched by the brothers’ story, and she highlighted how some of John’s NHL friends even asked wedding guests to donate to the foundation in lieu of gifts this summer. The growing generosity reinforces the sense that the Gaudreaus’ legacy is resonating far beyond their immediate circle.

The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation is poised to expand its reach through youth programs and by providing support to families facing the kinds of tragedies that touched the Gaudreau brothers. As Meredith put it, the work is just beginning, and the donations and outreach have given them motivation to keep building toward a lasting, positive impact.

Summary: The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, launched on Johnny Gaudreau’s birthday, honors the brothers by supporting youth hockey and assisting families affected by drunk driving. With leadership by Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, strong early donations, and a growing network of supporters, the foundation aims to keep the brothers’ kindness and impact alive. A hopeful note is that their legacy is inspiring a global audience to contribute to the causes they cared about.

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