Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour was in Campbell River on June 14 where he accepted the King Charles 111 Coronation Medal from the Campbell River Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
After a thorough review, Brind’Amour, who grew up in Campbell River, was selected as one of the volunteers and supporters to receive this award, according to a media release from the Campbell River chapter.
In 2024, the Governor General provided a limited number of these medals to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, which are used to honour and acknowledge those who have made large contributions to Canada through their service to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
The award ceremony took place at Moxie’s Restaurant during Brind’Amour's brief return to his hometown. Several platinum sponsors from the Brind’Amour/Nugent-Hopkins Golf Classic attended the ceremony, along with chapter members and other supporters.
Brind’Amour was honoured for his incredible commitment to the Cystic Fibrosis Canada cause. For 25 years, he has been the celebrity patron of the Brind’Amour/Nugent-Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic.
When Brind’Amour started backing the Golf Classic, the average survival age for those with cystic fibrosis was just 19. Now, thanks in part to the money raised from events like the golf classic, that average age has climbed to the early 60s.
When Brind’Amour began supporting the Golf Classic, the average age of survival for those with cystic fibrosis was just 19 years old. Now, thanks in part to the money raised from events like the golf classic, that average age has climbed to the early 60s. Brind’Amour’s endorsement helped raise the profile of the event and awareness of the need for help for people with cystic fibrosis. Over the past 25 years of organizing this event, more than $2 million has been raised for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
Brind’Amour was recognized for his dedication, positive energy, and constant support, as well as lending his name to help the work of Cystic Fibrosis Canada in its mission to create a life without limits for everyone with cystic fibrosis.
The former professional hockey player was also thanked for the role he played in gaining the support of another NHL superstar, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who has continued his support of the Cystic Fibrosis cause through an event organized by the Edmonton Cystic Fibrosis Chapter.
His parents, the late Bob and Linda Brind’Amour, were also acknowledged for the role they played in raising a thoughtful, kind and generous son.
Former Campbell River mayor and councillor Andy Adams spoke about how important Brind’Amour has been to both the cystic fibrosis community and the Campbell River area.
Former co-chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Golf organizing committee Todd Peachey praised him for his "extraordinary contribution to people with cystic fibrosis."
"Brind’Amour always delivered a heartwarming inspirational message to everyone who attended the golf classic and made people with cystic fibrosis feel valued and worthy of support," states the release.
At just 12 years old, Kim Wood, who has cystic fibrosis, penned a letter to Brind’Amour, beginning a strong friendship that led to 25 years of the Golf Classic. Wood expressed her gratitude for all his support over the years, sharing how much his friendship has meant to her.
