Montreal Alouettes bring Grey Cup to MUHC

The city roared with excitement when the Montreal Alouettes became Grey Cup champions for the eighth time back in November — on Thursday, the excitement continued.

Smiles were shared as the team visited young MUHC patients and staff at the Montreal Children’s and Royal Victoria Hospitals.

“It makes me feel so amazing to be able to give back to this amazing community,” said Shawn Lemon, Montreal Alouettes defensive end. “Just a lot of emotions come to mind.”

For Lemon, visiting the children in hospital hits close to home.

Reminding him of when his nephew had heart surgery –- and stayed in hospital in Baltimore, Maryland for the first eight months of his life. 

“My whole family we kind of, you know, rotated nights of staying there,” he explained. “Just making sure, you know, he’s comfortable.”

Now 5 years old, his nephew got to roll around in the confetti and celebrate in the locker room at the Grey Cup win.

“I’ll just look at him,” added Lemon. “And he’s really an inspiration to me.”

Inspiration – that’s what was felt at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) while the team signed autographs.

“I’m a true Montrealer,” said Rita Barrafato, Administrative Technician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

“I firmly believe that you have to cheer for your own team,” she added. “They’re the greatest!”

“It’s all about community and bringing people together,” said Nick Messina, Client Services, Opti Lab, MUHC. “And of course, to celebrate the victory of the Grey Cup.”

The initiative, organized by the MUHC foundation.

“The Alouettes and the MUHC are both really important players in the community here in Montreal,” said Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO, MUHC foundation. “Putting them together today really gives a great honor to our community.”

“I don’t know if you can feel it but there’s so much happiness and joy and lightheartedness around us,” explained Dr. Lucie Opatrny, CEO, MUHC. “The players are so generous and with our staff and our employees.”

“It’s just a really positive, great experience.”

“The city is just uplifting us so much,” said Tyson Philpot, wide receiver, Montreal Alouettes. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“Just to be apart of it and to be a backbone to the city,” he adds. “Has been crazy.”

The Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a thrilling 28-24 victory on Nov. 19 to hoist the Grey Cup.

Their first Grey Cup win since 2010.

As for “the lemonator” – it’s his third Grey Cup win.  

Squeezing the best out of the festivities with fans, friends, family and his nephew.

“Anything we can do to, you know, bring this community a smile and have them be a part of this Grey Cup win,” said Lemon. “We’re gonna do that.”