In a move that is already being hailed as one of the most generous gestures by a professional athlete in recent memory, Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl has announced a personal investment of $8.5 million to convert his private residence into a full-scale shelter for homeless youth in Edmonton.
The initiative, titled Draisaitl House, will offer safe, long-term housing along with access to mental health services, education programs, and job training opportunities for at-risk and homeless youth in the city. Draisaitl’s home, a sprawling estate in the Riverbend area, will be fully renovated and expanded to accommodate up to 60 residents, with communal areas, support staff facilities, and a 24/7 on-site care team.
Speaking at a press conference Monday morning, the 29-year-old NHL All-Star was visibly emotional. “Edmonton has given me so much — not just in my career, but in my life. It breaks my heart to know that so many young people here are struggling just to survive,” Draisaitl said. “If I can use what I’ve been given to help even a few of them find safety and hope, then it’s the right thing to do.”
The shelter is being developed in partnership with HomeFront Edmonton, a local nonprofit specializing in youth housing and rehabilitation. According to the organization’s director, Melanie Rourke, the facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2026. “Leon’s generosity is transformative — not just for the youth we serve, but for the entire community,” Rourke said.
Draisaitl, who has spent his entire NHL career with the Oilers since being drafted third overall in 2014, has long been involved in charitable work, but this marks his most ambitious personal project to date. The announcement has drawn praise from across Canada and beyond, with teammates, city officials, and fans lauding the forward for his commitment off the ice.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi called the project “an extraordinary gift to Edmonton,” adding, “Leon is setting a new standard for what it means to be a community leader.”
The Edmonton Oilers organization released a statement applauding Draisaitl’s efforts, calling him “a role model in every sense of the word.”
As the Oilers prepare for a deep playoff run, their star player’s off-ice leadership may prove just as impactful as his performance on the ice.
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