By Shara Lee

Georges Laraque in the role that made him famous.

What many may not know about him is that he is a devout Christian with a very kind heart, who contributed tremendously to World Vision's Hockey for Haiti initiative. He has also recently been appointed to a key position in the Green Party.

But what might be most shocking to some people about this former NHL heavyweight is that he is a vegan -- choosing to not partake in the consumption of any animals, or animal byproducts like milk, eggs, or cheese.

Not a fighter

Although a tough guy on the ice, the truth is that Laraque doesn't enjoy fighting. He told Canadian Press reporter Shi Davidi in 2008: "I fight because it's my job."

Speaking to CC.com, he noted: "I was a fighter, but I didn't like that. I knew it was wrong." When he was younger, he imagined a career in the NHL as a skilled goal scorer; but as he grew older, his size placed him in a different role.

"I didn't like the fact that I was promoting violence," said Laraque. "I knew I wasn't being a good role model." Throughout his NHL career, Laraque always wished he could serve as a better example to others.

Renewed faith

At the beginning of this year, Laraque renewed his faith in God after attending a Sunday morning Christian service. "It's one of the first times in my life where I've been really touched by a religious service that helped strengthen my faith. The service blessed me -- and I felt, at the very bottom of my heart, a rebirth, a new start with God," said Laraque on his website.

He added: "I recommend you all to attend a service at a Christian church, meet some people, ask questions -- and you will see how much this will help you open up your faith."

Laraque was raised Catholic, but said he truly came to accept God in his life only two years ago. Becoming a Christian transformed his life. "It really opened my mind -- and made me open my eyes," he said.

It is perhaps this background of faith that has compelled Laraque to take up so many causes. Now that he has retired from hockey, he has the time and the fame to bring help and awareness to the things he holds dear.

Hockey for Haiti

According to Isabelle Depelteau of World Vision Canada, after the devastation in Haiti, Laraque came to their organization with a clear proposal of what he wanted to do in his motherland.

"He was very moved by what was going on, and wanted to do something about it," said Depelteau. "Initially we were going to build a school, but Georges wanted to do something bigger." Laraque arranged for the National Hockey League's Player Association to team up with him and World Vision, for the rebuilding of Grace Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince.

"My parents came from Haiti to Montreal in their 20s, and my mom was born in Port-au-Prince," said Laraque. Because of his connection to Haiti, he felt he had to give his best effort for the earthquake devastated country. "I always wanted to make a difference in the world," he said.

Laraque and fellow NHLer Dan Hamhuis took a trip to Haiti to see exactly what they were facing. "Returning to Haiti to see the situation in my homeland and at this hospital today has been an emotional experience for me," Laraque told World Vision. "My goal is that Hockey for Haiti will bring hope to kids in Port-au-Prince who are going through so much."

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The project is estimated to cost roughly four million dollars. Because of the lack of machinery in the area, it has been difficult to clear the land of rubble.

"It's like picking up a huge building with a teaspoon," said Depelteau. Despite these setbacks, Laraque is sticking to this project. Already one million dollars have been raised for the hospital.

"It was a very nice and warm feeling to know that Georges is very committed to the cause," Depelteau commented. He added that even with his recent appointment to the Green Party, Laraque has been checking in with World Vision and cementing his devotion to the project.

Going Green

Late in July, Canadians learned that Laraque was named deputy leader for the Greens. It was a bold decision for party leader Elizabeth May -- whose own portfolio boasts a law degree from Dalhousie, leadership of the Sierra Club of Canada, and many years of political involvement.

The hope is that Laraque's presence with the Greens will help boost their popularity.

"Georges is a very committed Green, passionate about a number of causes," said May in a statement on the Green Party's website. "As deputy leader, Georges will help us realize our goal of promoting active, healthy, sustainable lifestyles as part of the Green agenda."

"I get excited joining causes, that's what I was born for," Laraque told the Canadian Press. "I just want to improve people's health and change the world. I wasn't doing that when I was playing hockey; I was an entertainer. Now it's time for me to show the true person that I am."

He told CC.com: "A lot of people don't like politics and don't understand it, but I think people identify with me. I don't talk like a politician." The reason he's participating on the political stage at all, he said, is to combat voter apathy -- and also to raise awareness about the environment. "I'm not running to be a candidate," said Laraque.

The unlikely politician will have his work cut out for him. He will have to brush up on policy and familiarize himself with the party's practices. Laraque isn't too worried, though. "There's a bigger message than winning or losing," he said.

May doesn't see his lack of experience as a problem. She hopes that the popularity he has in Quebec, and his overall likeability, will be definite assets.

The vegan way

Since June of 2009, Laraque has subscribed to veganism as a way of life. It may be surprising that a professional athlete of his calibre would cut out animal protein altogether, but Laraque claims he's never felt better.

"People think if they become vegan they will be all skinny, but it's a stereotype," said Laraque. Another stereotype, he noted, is the idea that vegetarians have very limited choices. "Back in the day, there weren't many vegetarian or vegan options; but now there are tons," he said. "It's actually cheaper to eat this way."

He became a vegan after watching the movie Earthlings -- which follows the process of animal cruelty from farm to plate, clothing rack and zoo.

"I don't do it to force people to be vegetarian or vegan. I just want to educate people on the subject to make this world a better place," said Laraque on his website.

Because he felt he was benefiting so much from his new diet, he decided to start his own all-vegan restaurant, called Crudessence.

"There are always places with imitation meat, popular amongst meat lovers, or people transitioning to a vegan or even a vegetarian diet. But I thought that if I were going to endorse something, I would pick the best, the healthiest restaurant -- where, I know, everyone would benefit the most from their experience," said Laraque.

Busier than ever

It appears that only after Laraque's retirement from the NHL has he been able to devote himself to the things that truly matter to him. Today he is busier than ever, with three major projects and dozens of smaller scale causes. There are a lot of charities I support that need my help," he said.

Georges Laraque may have hung up his skates -- but that certainly doesn't mean you've seen the last of him.

June 11/2010