Hockey star reneges on charitable donation

[Alastair M. Wallis Jarvis]

The story about Yashin donating $1,000,000 to the National Arts Centre was
posted here last year. I thought those who read it may be interested in
the latest.

Best to all,

Alastair Jarvis
Theatre and Contemporary Studies
University of King's College
Halifax, Nova Scotia

---------- Forwarded message ----------

   Wednesday, January 20, 1999

Hockey star reneges on charitable donation

   OTTAWA (CP) -- For the National Arts Centre, it's like a goal has been
   called back -- a million-dollar goal.

   Ottawa Senators captain Alexei Yashin has decided to pull the bulk of
   a highly publicized $1 million donation he made to the arts centre
   last year.

   National Arts Centre officials announced that Yashin had informed them
   earlier this week not to expect the money, citing "personal reasons."
   "It's a difficult day for the NAC," said Kelly Beaton, spokeswoman for
   the centre.

   Yashin made international headlines last January when it was revealed
   the Russian star had pledged to donate $1 million over five years. The
   donation was marked by a glitzy ceremony at the arts centre, complete
   with a performance by the resident symphony orchestra.

   At the time, Yashin said he wanted the money to be used to promote
   Russian culture. But Beaton said the money was not officially
   earmarked for that.

   Yashin gave the arts centre $200,000 last January and was to donate a
   further $800,000 over the next four years. The pledge stipulated that
   Yashin had the right to pull his offer at any time and for any reason.
   Yashin was in New York with the Senators on Tuesday playing against
   the Rangers and was unavailable for comment.

   Senators President Roy Mlakar said Yashin's decision "is clearly his
   business" and had "nothing to do with his role as captain" of the
   team.
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Story availible online via http:// www.canoe.ca