Youppi at Mackay

The Mackay Centre School’s satellite class at Westmount High School and their “Best Buddies”  recently had the treat of a lifetime – a pizza lunch with our favourite Habs mascot, Youppi! Clad in his blue, blanc, rouge, Youppi goofed around with the students as they ate lunch and decorated ornaments for their Christmas tree.  The event was initiated by Canadien’s defenceman Shea Weber, who became involved with Best Buddies while playing for the Nashville Predators. He has continued his community outreach here in Montreal since his arrival in 2016. Recently he invited the Mackay class, also known as the Leaders on Wheels, to enjoy a Habs game in his private loge.  Weber could not attend the event due to practice time, but Youppi stepped right in; entertaining the students with his antics. Representatives from the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation marketing team Shauna Denis, Vanessa Harrison and Dave McGinni kicked off the celebration on a high note, gifting all students with NHL 100th classic tuques, Habs flags and scarves, Youppi dolls, and two tickets to an upcoming hockey game. “Today we are honouring organizations that do great work in our community,” said Denis. “The players are very active behind the scenes. They go out of their way to give back to the community, most of which you don’t hear about.”

Youppi is no stranger to the Leaders as they met when they attended the game last month. They were thrilled to reunite. Other Westmount High students were delighted when Youppi spontaneously popped into their classrooms. Rosemarie Sondola, teacher of the Mackay Satellite Class, speaks highly of the six buddy volunteers that attended. “Our students love the attention of their Best Buddies."