Carleton University, Ottawa Senators Foundation and Bell Let’s Talk establish $111,000 endowment fund
The Ottawa Senators, in partnership with the Ottawa Senators Foundation, Bell Let’s Talk and Carleton University, in recognition of Daniel Alfredsson’s incredible commitment to our community and in particular to the area of mental health advocacy and awareness, today established a scholarship fund in Alfredsson’s name at Carleton University. The scholarship fund was announced during last night’s Senators-Red Wings game, at which Alfredsson’s Ottawa Senators number 11 jersey was formally retired at Canadian Tire Centre.
The Ottawa Senators Foundation and Bell Let’s Talk are jointly donating $55,500 alongside Carleton University to establish the $111,000 endowment fund for the Daniel Alfredsson Scholarship in Mental Health.
Scholarships will be awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate students who are entering or proceeding from one year to another in the Neuroscience and Mental Health program at Carleton University. This new program explores how diseases that affect the brain lead to mental health problems, with the focus of our research including depression, Parkinson’s disease, obesity, stress and anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and concussion.
“I want to thank the Ottawa Senators Foundation and Bell Let’s Talk for their leadership on both the local and national level in educating and creating awareness for mental health,” said Alfredsson. “This is something very personal to me and a cause that I have been passionate about for a long time. To know that Carleton University has matched the funds provided by Bell Let’s Talk and the Ottawa Senators Foundation to establish a scholarship in my name that will assist the next generation of leaders in this field is a great honor to me.”
“We are most grateful for this scholarship in support of our students dedicating their research to improving mental health and in honor of our recent honorary graduate, Daniel Alfredsson, who stands tall as an articulate and passionate role model dedicated to the awareness of mental health in our community,” said Carleton University president and vice-chancellor Roseann O’Reilly Runte.
“Bell is pleased to join in honouring Daniel Alfredsson’s tremendous leadership and advocacy for mental health,” said Mary Deacon, r hair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. “By speaking out, Daniel has helped to reduce the stigma around mental illness while growing the mental health conversation in all new ways. Recognizing Daniel’s leadership with a scholarship in mental health research at Carleton is such a fitting tribute to his work in the Ottawa community.”
“Daniel Alfredsson has been an incredible ambassador within the mental health movement working tirelessly to remove stigma and barriers often associated with mental illness. He has encouraged people to speak up and ask for help by sharing his own personal connection to mental health struggles within his family,” said Danielle Robinson, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators Foundation. “On an evening that is dedicated to celebrating and creating legacy around the #11 jersey, it seemed appropriate to thank and recognize Daniel for all he has done for the community by creating another lasting legacy that will live on in perpetuity, the Daniel Alfredsson Scholarship in Mental Health.”
About Daniel Alfredsson
Alfredsson is the first modern-day Senators player to have his jersey retired. Ottawa’s sixth-round selection (133rd overall) in the 1994 NHL Draft began his storied 18-season career with the Senators in 1995-96, winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. He went on to play 17 seasons for Ottawa and is the Senators’ all-time leader in goals (426), assists (682), points (1,108), power-play goals (131), shorthanded goals (25), game-winning goals (69), shots (3,320) and hat tricks (8). Alfredsson also is the franchise’s leader in playoff games (121), goals (51), assists (49) and points (100).
On Dec. 4, 2014, Alfredsson returned to Ottawa to formally retire from professional hockey as a Senator. In September of 2015 Alfredsson joined the Senators’ front office as senior advisor of hockey operations, a position he maintains today.
The Senators’ team captain for 13 seasons (1999-00 to 2012-13), Alfredsson was the first Senator to capture a major National Hockey League award, winning the Calder Trophy in 1995-96, the King Clancy award in 2012 and later the Mark Messier Leadership award in 2012-13. Alfredsson has been an active member of the Ottawa community, most notably as public face of the Royal Ottawa’s “You Know Who I Am” campaign to raise awareness about how many people are affected by mental illness.
About The Ottawa Senators Foundation
The Ottawa Senators Foundation empowers children and youth to reach their full potential by investing in social recreation and education programs that promote both physical and mental wellness.
In partnership with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, alumni association, corporate partners and fans, more than $100 million has been contributed to thousands of initiatives and charities in the National Capital Region.
Visit the Senators website: www.ottawasenators.com
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For more information, please contact:
Brian Morris, morrisb@ottawasenators.com
Chris Moore, moorec@ottawasenators.com
Friday, December 30, 2016 in News Releases
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