2017 YRP Honouree
A York Regional Police officer since 1985, Lou Malbeuf has always tried to live their motto every day, DEEDS SPEAK. Growing up in Sudbury, Lou immersed himself in sports, which not only opened doors for him, but eventually led to a better education and Lou’s police career. Team sports have always been in his blood and Lou associates this and the team aspect of policing as being very similar. Working together and in partnership with the community have been key values throughout Lou’s career, and he believes there is no better way to do that than with the Special Olympics. He says, “The only disability in life is negativity.”
Another very meaningful project making a difference for many is The Rob Plunkett Charity Co-Ed Slo-Pitch Event, in honour of Det. Constable Rob Plunkett who was tragically killed in 2007. In the tournament’s third year, Lou got Special Olympians involved; fifteen Olympians participated and Lou placed one on each team. To quote Lou, “The best gift you can give a Special Olympian is to be their friend, play with them, include them, and believe in them.” Numerous participants shared with Lou how they were impacted by the personal interaction with the athletes, the positive learning experience they encountered as teammates, and the sincere amount of respect garnered for these gifted individuals. This wonderful event is approaching its tenth anniversary, and all proceeds go to Special Olympics.
The Rob Plunkett Charity Event brings to life Lou’s fondest memories, reminding him of Rob during their own playing days, and how in a small way he continues in Rob’s footsteps. The unanticipated rewards include the awareness and education brought to the community by this memorial event and seeing how it has grown. Back in the mid-1980s, Lou and his family initially became involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, founded by Rob. Now Lou sees his kids also giving back by helping with various charities, and how their way of life influences their friends to take part as well . . . another incredible reward.
Baby steps are the way to encourage others to get involved. Lou suggests inviting people to an event to experience the fun and satisfaction volunteers have working together; then they are hooked. Getting someone to speak about how fulfilling it is really helps too.
As a tireless volunteer, Lou has also been instrumental in supporting the War veterans, Doane House Hospice, Georgian Triangle Hospice, the Canadian Police Memorial fund, and the Jump Start program giving kids a sporting chance. A York Regional Police officer since 1985, Lou Malbeuf has always tried to live their motto every day, DEEDS SPEAK. Growing up in Sudbury, Lou immersed himself in sports, which not only opened doors for him, but eventually led to a better education and Lou’s police career. Team sports have always been in his blood and Lou associates this and the team aspect of policing as being very similar. Working together and in partnership with the community have been key values throughout Lou’s career, and he believes there is no better way to do that than with the Special Olympics. He says, “The only disability in life is negativity.”
Another very meaningful project making a difference for many is The Rob Plunkett Charity Co-Ed Slo-Pitch Event, in honour of Det. Constable Rob Plunkett who was tragically killed in 2007. In the tournament’s third year, Lou got Special Olympians involved; fifteen Olympians participated and Lou placed one on each team. To quote Lou, “The best gift you can give a Special Olympian is to be their friend, play with them, include them, and believe in them.” Numerous participants shared with Lou how they were impacted by the personal interaction with the athletes, the positive learning experience they encountered as teammates, and the sincere amount of respect garnered for these gifted individuals. This wonderful event is approaching its tenth anniversary, and all proceeds go to Special Olympics.
The Rob Plunkett Charity Event brings to life Lou’s fondest memories, reminding him of Rob during their own playing days, and how in a small way he continues in Rob’s footsteps. The unanticipated rewards include the awareness and education brought to the community by this memorial event and seeing how it has grown. Back in the mid-1980s, Lou and his family initially became involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, founded by Rob. Now Lou sees his kids also giving back by helping with various charities, and how their way of life influences their friends to take part as well . . . another incredible reward.
Baby steps are the way to encourage others to get involved. Lou suggests inviting people to an event to experience the fun and satisfaction volunteers have working together; then they are hooked. Getting someone to speak about how fulfilling it is really helps too.
As a tireless volunteer, Lou has also been instrumental in supporting the War veterans, Doane House Hospice, Georgian Triangle Hospice, the Canadian Police Memorial fund, and the Jump Start program giving kids a sporting chance.
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