August 29, 2024, is a date the hockey world won't ever forget. It was the night Johnny "Hockey" Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey. They were there for their sister Katie’s wedding, which was supposed to happen the very next day. Honestly, the grief didn't just hit their family; it leveled the entire NHL community and anyone who ever watched the two brothers play with that signature, scrappy joy.
But grief is a weird thing. It can sit there and rot, or it can be used to build something. Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, the widows of John and Matty, chose to build.
In March 2025, they officially launched the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This isn't just another celebrity charity with a fancy logo and no soul. It’s a direct extension of who the brothers were—guys who loved the game, loved their families, and never forgot where they came from.
Why the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation is Different
Most people think foundation work is all about black-tie galas and giant cardboard checks. This one feels a lot more personal. Meredith and Madeline serve as co-presidents, and they’ve been very vocal about making sure every dollar goes to things John and Matty actually cared about.
There are three main "pillars" if you want to call them that, though they’re more like missions.
First, there’s the youth hockey initiative. If you knew Johnny, you knew he wasn't exactly a giant on the ice. He was proof that skill and heart matter more than height. The foundation works to make sure kids in low-income areas get a chance to play. We’re talking equipment, ice time, and clinic fees—the stuff that usually keeps "regular" kids away from the sport because it’s just so expensive.
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Then, there’s the support for families facing tragedy. This hits close to home for the Gaudreaus, obviously. When a hockey family loses someone or hits a wall, the foundation steps in to help with the "unspeakable challenges" that follow.
The third piece is perhaps the most urgent: helping families impacted by drunk or reckless driving. It is a heavy, sobering mission. By providing financial help and advocacy, the foundation tries to catch people falling through the cracks after a life-altering crash.
Real Impact: The $500,000 Milestone
One of the most incredible stories to come out of this so far happened in May 2025. The family held the first Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Day in Washington Township, New Jersey. Over 2,200 people showed up—some in person, some virtually from places like Calgary and Columbus.
They weren't just running for the sake of it. They raised over $500,000.
That money was specifically earmarked for an adaptive playground at the Archbishop Damiano School in Westville. This school is a massive part of the Gaudreau DNA. Their mom, Jane, worked there for over 40 years. John and Matty volunteered there as kids. John had actually been fundraising for this playground years before he died.
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Seeing that project finally break ground in late 2025 was a "full circle" moment that probably brought more than a few tears to the eyes of the South Jersey community.
How the Hockey World Stepped Up
If you want to see what "hockey family" really means, look at how the NHL teams reacted once the foundation went live.
On the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in August 2025, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL both donated $34,000 each. Why that specific number? It’s $13,000 for Johnny (his jersey number) and $21,000 for Matthew.
The Calgary Flames followed suit with a $34,000 donation to MADD Canada in their honor.
Even the small gestures matter. Some of Johnny’s closest friends in the league got married over the summer of 2025 and asked guests to skip the registry and donate to the foundation instead. Meredith mentioned on Good Morning America that she didn't even know they were doing it until the checks started arriving. That’s real respect.
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Getting a Grant: How It Actually Works
This isn't just a "give us money" organization. They are actively giving it away. If you are a youth hockey program or a family in a tough spot, they have a formal process on their website, johnandmatty.org.
- Eligibility: You’ve got to be in the U.S. or Canada.
- Focus: Youth programs, school sports, or families affected by reckless driving.
- The Goal: It’s not just about "technical skill." They want to fund programs that teach teamwork and discipline—the stuff the Gaudreau brothers lived by.
The first official grant was recently awarded to Ohio Sled Hockey. It’s a group that gives people with physical limitations a chance to play. The grant will be presented in person on January 17, 2026.
Beyond the Numbers: The Legacy
Honestly, it’s hard to talk about this without feeling the weight of what was lost. Johnny was about to start his third season in Columbus. Matty was gearing up to coach the Philadelphia Rebels. They were just... starting.
But through the foundation, their names aren't just attached to a tragedy anymore. They’re attached to a kid getting his first pair of skates. They’re attached to a new wheelchair-accessible swing. They’re attached to a family that can finally afford to pay the bills after a horrific accident.
The colors of the foundation—black for Johnny and bright green for Matty—are popping up at rinks all over North America. It’s a reminder that while they aren't on the ice, their impact is still very much in play.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re looking to support the mission, there are a few concrete ways to get involved that actually make a difference:
- Direct Donations: You can donate directly through the official website. Every bit goes toward those grants for youth hockey and families in need.
- The 5K: Keep an eye out for the next Gaudreau Family 5K, tentatively scheduled for May 16, 2026. You don't have to be in New Jersey; the virtual option lets you participate from anywhere.
- Grant Applications: If you know a youth hockey program that is struggling with costs or a family that has been hit by a drunk driving tragedy, point them toward the application page on the foundation's site.
- Spread Awareness: The foundation is as much about ending drunk driving as it is about hockey. Share the story, remind people to drive sober, and keep the brothers' legacy front and center.
The work is just beginning. As Meredith said, "John and Matty's impact was so big, and we have an opportunity to really do a lot of good." That’s exactly what they’re doing.