TOUCH DOWN: Jeff Skinner Donates Entire $10 million Bonuses and Sponsorship earnings to…

In a heartwarming and unprecedented act of generosity, Buffalo Sabres star forward Jeff Skinner has announced that he is donating the entirety of his $10 million in performance bonuses and sponsorship earnings to support children’s health initiatives across North America.

The 33-year-old NHL veteran, known for his prolific goal scoring and unwavering dedication on the ice, made the announcement through a statement released this morning by the Jeff Skinner Foundation.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my career—both in what I’ve been able to achieve and in the support I’ve received from fans, teammates, and my family,” Skinner stated. “This is about giving back in a meaningful way. Every child deserves access to quality health care, no matter their background or financial situation.”

A Gift That Transcends the Rink

The $10 million will be distributed among several children’s hospitals, mental health programs, and grassroots sports therapy initiatives in both Canada and the United States. Notable recipients include:

• SickKids Foundation in Toronto
• Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo
• Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
• Hockey Fights Cancer initiative
• Mental Health America’s youth outreach programs

Skinner’s donation is already being described as one of the largest philanthropic gestures ever made by an active NHL player. The news has sent ripples through the sports world, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow players, and charitable organizations alike.

More Than Just a Donation

Beyond the financial contribution, Skinner also committed to working directly with the hospitals and programs involved. Plans are underway to launch the Skate Strong initiative, a program that combines youth hockey training with mental wellness and physical therapy sessions for children recovering from trauma or illness.

Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams called Skinner’s move “a shining example of what it means to use your platform for good,” adding, “Jeff’s leadership extends far beyond the locker room. This will change lives.”

The Power of a Platform

While professional athletes frequently engage in charitable work, the size and scope of Skinner’s donation have turned heads. According to sports finance analyst Darren Albrecht, “Jeff Skinner has essentially handed over every cent of his off-ice earnings from the last two seasons to invest in kids’ health. That’s not just a tax write-off—that’s a legacy move.”

Skinner, who recently celebrated his 1,000th NHL game, remains focused on the ice but says this donation has given him a deeper sense of purpose.

“In the end, hockey is what I do—but this is who I am,” he said.