In a powerful and inspiring act of philanthropy, Edmonton Oilers captain and NHL icon Connor McDavid has invested $6.3 million of his own funds to convert a large heritage property in downtown Edmonton into a comprehensive shelter and support centre for homeless youth. The facility — which will be named The 97 Haven, a reference to McDavid’s iconic jersey number — is expected to open its doors later this year and serve as a beacon of hope for vulnerable young people across the city.
This unprecedented contribution from one of the sport’s brightest stars has sent shockwaves through the hockey world and the wider Canadian community, as McDavid moves beyond the rink to take on one of Alberta’s most pressing social issues: youth homelessness.
A Home for the Forgotten
Homelessness among youth in Edmonton has long been a growing concern, with local non-profits estimating that over 1,500 young people face housing insecurity on any given night. Many of them are victims of abuse, neglect, family conflict, or poverty. While several organizations provide services to this group, resources have remained stretched, and the need for stable, long-term solutions has never been more urgent.
That’s where Connor McDavid has stepped in.
The $6.3 million project will see the transformation of a 1910s-era mansion — previously owned by a private developer — into a state-of-the-art transitional living facility. The centre will feature:
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30 private rooms for residents, each furnished for safety and comfort
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On-site mental health and addiction counseling
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Educational support services including GED preparation and tutoring
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Job placement programs and resume workshops
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24/7 medical access and wellness support
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A community kitchen and dining area
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Art and recreation rooms to encourage creative expression
The shelter is designed not merely as a roof over one’s head, but as a stepping stone toward stability, independence, and self-worth.
“It’s Time I Gave Back”
At a press conference held this morning in downtown Edmonton, McDavid appeared alongside city officials, social workers, and youth advocates to make the official announcement. Dressed in a simple suit and standing beside a scale model of the future facility, the 28-year-old centre star spoke with both humility and conviction.
“I’ve had an incredibly fortunate life,” McDavid said. “Playing in the NHL, captaining the Oilers, being part of this amazing city — it’s something I don’t take for granted. But with that comes responsibility. There are young people just blocks from Rogers Place who are struggling just to survive. It’s time I gave back in a real way.”
The announcement came just days after the Oilers clinched a playoff berth, with McDavid continuing to put up MVP-caliber numbers. Yet even in the midst of a high-stakes postseason, his focus was clearly on the community that has embraced him since his debut in 2015.
“I know what a home means. I want to help give that sense of security to someone who’s never had it,” he added.
Partnership With Local Non-Profits
To bring The 97 Haven to life, McDavid is partnering with several well-known organizations, including Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), Homeward Trust, and Boyle Street Community Services. These groups will oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, and the long-term sustainability of the shelter.
Tania Alvarado, executive director of YESS, praised McDavid’s direct involvement in the project.
“It’s not just the money — though $6.3 million is extraordinary,” she said. “Connor has been sitting in on planning meetings, listening to youth with lived experience, asking smart questions, and making sure this isn’t just a temporary fix. He’s building something that’s going to last.”
The city of Edmonton will also provide logistical and regulatory support, fast-tracking zoning adjustments and ensuring infrastructure is in place to support the shelter’s services.
A Cultural Shift in Sports Philanthropy?
McDavid’s announcement has sparked praise across the NHL and beyond. The NHL Players’ Association released a statement calling the initiative “a model for socially responsible leadership in professional sports.” Teammates and coaches also chimed in with admiration.
“He’s the best player in the world, and now he’s showing he might be the best person in the league too,” said Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. “We all talk about giving back, but he’s walking the walk.”
The move is already generating conversation about how athletes — particularly young, high-earning stars — can wield their influence for systemic change. While many NHL players participate in charity work or host annual foundations, McDavid’s hands-on, personally funded investment sets a new standard for what sports philanthropy can look like.
Young Lives Already Impacted
Though the centre won’t officially open until later this year, the mere announcement has already given hope to youth in Edmonton.
Mariah, 17, who has been living in shelters for over a year, broke down in tears when told about the initiative.
“Connor McDavid is my hero. Not just for hockey — now for life,” she said. “Maybe I can finally have a place to feel safe, like I belong.”
Advocates say this kind of investment — both financial and emotional — can have ripple effects that extend far beyond one building. When youth feel seen, supported, and believed in, their entire trajectory can change.
A Long-Term Commitment
Unlike many one-time charitable donations, McDavid’s plan includes long-term oversight. He has pledged to cover the facility’s first three years of operational costs and to match public donations up to $1 million per year during that period. He also plans to establish a youth advisory board composed of former residents and at-risk individuals to ensure the centre evolves based on real community needs.
Architectural renovations are already underway, with much of the interior being restructured to prioritize trauma-informed design — wide hallways, natural light, and soft finishes. A rooftop garden and indoor gym are also in the works.
Community Response
The announcement has sparked a wave of support on social media. Hashtags like #97Haven and #McDavidGivesBack trended across Canada, with fans, civic leaders, and celebrities offering their admiration.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi offered formal thanks at City Hall:
“Connor McDavid’s leadership both on and off the ice is exactly the kind of compassion and courage Edmonton is known for. This will save lives — and change the conversation around homelessness in our city.”
Local businesses have also begun reaching out to offer job opportunities and internships to future residents of the centre, and several community colleges have pledged to provide scholarships to youth who transition out of the shelter into academic programs.
A Legacy Bigger Than Hockey
Connor McDavid’s name will always be remembered for his feats on the ice: the breakaway speed, the no-look passes, the hat tricks. But with this act, he is building a legacy that transcends sport.
He’s building homes, futures, and the belief that even in the coldest winters, Edmonton’s heart is warm — and wide open.
As the Oilers fight for the Stanley Cup this spring, their captain is already winning something much bigger: the admiration of a city, the gratitude of its most vulnerable residents, and a permanent place in the history of those who used their platform to do lasting good.