National Post (National Edition)
Trebek's suits to help job seekers
Alex Trebek's family has donated his wardrobe to an organization that helps homeless people.
The Jeopardy! host died aged 80 in November last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and bosses at the show and Trebek's family decided to donate 14 suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties, 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, nine sports coats, nine pairs of dress shoes, 15 belts, two parkas and three pairs of dress slacks to The Doe Fund.
“During his last day on set, Alex extolled the virtues of everyone opening up their hands and their hearts to those who are suffering,” Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards said.
“Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honour that last request.”
The Doe Fund helps people with histories of addiction, homelessness and incarceration find paid work, housing, vocational training, education and social services. The charity's reentry program, Ready, Willing and Able, helps participants prepare for job interviews, and Trebek's clothes will be used for interview hopefuls in the future.
“We are so grateful for Jeopardy! and the Trebek family's commitment to lifting up the most vulnerable among us,” said Doe Fund president Harriet McDonald. “The men in our career training programs are always in need of professional attire, so they can shine in their job interviews and work with confidence once they're hired. This donation alleviates the obstacle of not having appropriate clothing.”