The 2022 St. Nick Person of the Year: Matt Brown. Since his life changing injury in 2010, Matt has been an inspiration to everyone from the Town of Norwood to the NHL and beyond. He embodies the motto, Never Quit, in all facets and shows each of us every day what courage, perseverance and bravery looks like.
Matt has an unbelievably positive attitude and it’s contagious. When he speaks to groups his message is always clear, “move forward instead of looking backwards.” Whether he is speaking to a group of elementary aged children or as a keynote speaker at a business seminar, he makes use of his spotlight to teach his audience to dispel any stigmas about life in a wheelchair and to inspire them about how to deal with setbacks and adversity.
Over the last decade Matt has been going about charity and fundraising; he does so under the radar and with his trademark grace and unmatched selflessness. Matt keeps track of and personally mentors over 16 New England based kids/young adults dealing with spinal injuries. He has provided financial assistance helping others with things ranging from hospital and food bills to home renovations and the cost of specialized vehicles. Matt recently created his own foundation; The Matt Brown Foundation which is a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping individuals and families who have suffered or are recovering from spinal cord injuries.