BREAKING: Edmonton Oilers Leftwing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Launches “A Hope Rising Foundation” to Transform the Lives of Children with Disabilities — Providing Free Healthcare, Basic Needs, and Endless Love to the Kids of Edmonton
July 9, 2025 – Edmonton, AB
In an emotional announcement that has sent ripples of admiration throughout the sports world and beyond, Edmonton Oilers left-winger Ryan Nugent-Hopkins revealed today the launch of “A Hope Rising Foundation,” a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
The veteran NHL star, known for his quiet leadership and generous spirit, said the foundation will focus on providing free healthcare, mobility assistance, basic life necessities, and above all, love and dignity to kids and families who need it most.
“This isn’t about hockey,” Nugent-Hopkins said during a press conference held at Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital. “This is about life — about giving every child, no matter their circumstances, the chance to thrive, to smile, and to dream.”
A Personal Mission Rooted in Compassion
While many professional athletes contribute to charitable causes, Nugent-Hopkins’ latest initiative is deeply personal. During his speech, he shared for the first time that his young cousin was born with cerebral palsy and had inspired him to look beyond the ice rink for ways to make a lasting difference.
“I’ve seen firsthand the struggles families face,” he said, holding back tears. “The late-night hospital visits, the missed work, the financial stress, the emotional exhaustion. And yet, I’ve also seen unimaginable strength, beauty, and love.”
Those experiences shaped the core mission of A Hope Rising Foundation — to lift burdens, restore hope, and offer holistic care for children with physical and developmental disabilities. From accessible housing to counseling services, from recreational therapy to transportation assistance, the foundation is set to take a comprehensive approach.
Programs That Matter
The foundation will begin rolling out its programs this fall, starting with three key initiatives:
1. HopeCare Clinics – Mobile healthcare units offering free diagnostics, treatments, physiotherapy, and mental health services to children with disabilities across Edmonton and rural Alberta.
2. The Nourish Project – A food and basic needs program delivering weekly care packages containing healthy meals, hygiene supplies, and essentials to over 500 families in its pilot phase.
3. Wings of Play – An inclusive recreation program offering adapted sports and arts experiences, so kids with disabilities can enjoy the joy