Alouette Offensive Tackle shares well recognized and respected qualities of Canada's Veterans
WINNIPEG, Nov. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, accompanied by Canadian Veterans Murdoch and Linda Jardine, presented the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award to Jeff Perrett, Offensive Tackle for the Montréal Alouettes. The prestigious award was one of the highlights of the 2015 Shaw CFL Awards.
An important part of the Alouette offensive line, Mr. Perrett has always led by example on the field and off. During the 2015 season, however, he decided to make public a painfully difficult personal matter. Mr. Perrett revealed that he had long been struggling with alcoholism, opening up about the profound affect it has had on his family and the difficult steps he has taken to manage the disease. His story was profiled widely throughout North America.
As a professional athlete, Mr. Perrett recognizes that his role in the public eye gives him the opportunity to raise awareness and change the lives of many facing similar challenges. He has become involved in various community programs with the Alouettes, including Together at School, where he shares his life story and past experiences, and encourages kids to stay in school to seek the benefits of a higher education.
Prior to the awards ceremony, on November 25, the Grey Cup was on display at the Deer Lodge Centre, where Minister Hehr visited residents—many of whom are Veterans—and staff.
Quick Facts
- Named after Jake Gaudaur, the CFL's longest serving commissioner and distinguished Second World War Veteran, the award is presented annually to a Canadian CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canadian Veterans in times of war, military conflict, and peace.
- Jake Gaudaur is recognized as a Canadian hero. A Canadian fighter pilot instructor during the Second World War, he won Grey Cups as both a player and an executive, before serving as commissioner of the CFL from 1968 to 1984. His story embodies the historic bond between the league and Veterans, one that is celebrated with the presentation of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award.
- The presentation of the prestigious award is part of the annual Veterans Remembrance Tribute, organized by the CFL in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada. Earlier this month, the tribute featured a ceremony before the CFL semi-final games, as well as the placement of the Canada Remembers logo, with permission of the Royal Canadian Legion, around the football field and on each player's helmet.
- The CFL is receiving up to $50,000 in Government of Canada support through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund for the 2015 presentation of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Trophy at the CFL Player Awards Ceremony and for the Veterans Remembrance Tribute at the Eastern and Western Division semi-final games held November 15.
Quotes
"Veterans Affairs Canada is proud to partner with the Canadian Football League. It is an organization that understands well the virtues that make Canada's Veterans such vital and passionate contributors to this nation. Jeff Perrett shares those qualities, making him a deserving recipient of the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
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SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
