Edmonton Goalie Stuart Skinner Donates Entire $20 Million Signing Bonus to Fight Homelessness in Canada
In a world where professional athletes are often celebrated for their on-ice or on-field prowess, few make headlines for reasons that transcend their sport. But Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has done just that—earning admiration far beyond the hockey world with an act of generosity that is being described as “nothing short of historic.”
Upon signing his new NHL contract, which included a remarkable $20 million signing bonus, Skinner made the bold and heartfelt decision to donate the entire amount to initiatives combating homelessness across Canada. The news has sent shockwaves through the sports community, philanthropic circles, and Canadian society at large.
The donation, confirmed by his management team and later addressed in a statement by Skinner himself, marks one of the most generous acts ever by a professional athlete in North America.
“This Country Raised Me—Now It’s My Turn to Give Back”
In a public statement released shortly after the donation was made, Skinner explained his motivation.
“I’ve been blessed with opportunities that many people never get,” he wrote. “Growing up in Edmonton, I saw people in my own community who were struggling—people living in tents in the winter, youth aging out of foster care with nowhere to go, veterans on the street. That reality never left me. This country raised me. Now it’s my turn to give back.”
Skinner’s donation will be distributed among a variety of nonprofit organizations and initiatives that address both the root causes and immediate challenges of homelessness. These include shelters, transitional housing programs, Indigenous-led housing initiatives, mental health and addiction services, and job training centers.
The goalie worked closely with a national coalition of housing advocates to ensure the funds would be directed strategically and transparently, with long-term impact in mind.
A Personal Mission
Although Skinner has been known for his level-headedness and focus on the ice, friends and teammates have long known about his passion for social justice issues off the ice.
“He’s always been more than just a hockey player,” said teammate Connor McDavid. “He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he’s constantly doing things behind the scenes—visiting shelters, donating gear, volunteering with youth. This is just another example of who Stu is at his core.”
Skinner’s upbringing also played a role in shaping his values. The youngest of nine siblings, he was raised in a tight-knit family in Edmonton that often emphasized compassion and community. His