Matt Duchene and the Random Act of Kindness
While some sports stars, no matter the sport, spend their days trying to make a name for themselves, some of them, for no reason at all, spend their time trying to make a difference in someone else’s life. This is exactly what Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene did with his random act of kindness for a little girl in need of nothing more than a smile.
April 21 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) reacts to his goal in the second period against the St. Louis Blues at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Minden Times in Minden, Ontario told the story of little 11 year-old Trista, who on a normal basis was a very happy little girl with a bubbly personality who just generally loves life.
That is, until the bullying started.
Her parents spent several days encouraging her, and trying to raise their little girl’s spirit; as well as helping teach her how to effectively stand up to a bully while setting an example for her fellow students. They thought that their problem had been solved.
Unfortunately, that very same day, the little girl spent a good portion of the day in the bathroom crying.
Fortunately, Trista’s dad, Wayde Greer, was able to handle the media for the Minden Flood Relief Golf Tournament.
Part of the event was an auction with numerous sports memorabilia like a Sidney Crosby game-used stick, a John Tavares signed jersey, and more importantly, at least to Wayde, Boston Bruins team-signed jersey.
You see, little Trista is a big hockey fan, and her all-time favorite player is Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. With Trista’s 11th birthday on the horizon, this was the perfect opportunity for Daddy to earn some serious “cool dad” points and to bring a smile to the face of his seemingly defeated little girl.
Wayde gathered the family together and asked them to donate anything that they could spare to the cause. Collaboratively, they were able to raise $500.
So Dad went to the event, and tried his hardest to win the auction and surprise his little girl for her birthday.
The bidding started off at $300, which was a good portion of Wayde’s budget. The bidding quickly reached Dad’s budget; in 48 seconds to be exact. Dad ventured a little more of his own money and extended his bid all the way to $800. At this point, he just knew that the jersey would go to someone else.
When the bidding reached $1100, he heard a whisper from across the table.
"Get it for her.” Duchene said. “I’ve got you covered.” ~ Minden Times"
After a few convincing gestures, Dad knew he had to act fast, so he took Duchene up on the offer. The price tag quickly jumped from $1,300 to $1,600. Nervously, Trista’s dad looked across the table to see Duchene holding up two fingers. Did this mean that he wanted him to bid $2,000?
Quickly, Dad yelled into the microphone, “$2,000!” Just like that, the jersey belonged to Daddy’s little girl.
When Dad gave the gift to his daughter on her birthday, her card would read “Happy Birthday Trista, from your friend Matt Duchene.”
In one swift gesture, Matt Duchene not only helped raise $2000 for flood relief for the people of Minden, but he brought a smile to the face of a little girl who needed nothing more than a little sunshine in her life.
This goes to show that in a world where more often than most would like to admit, the almighty dollar reigns supreme, there are still people in the world that care more about the happiness of others.
I tip my hat to you, Matt Duchene. I can’t say for sure, but I think it is safe to assume that Trista may very well have a new favorite player in the Avalanche center.
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