In a groundbreaking act of generosity and community leadership, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner has announced a personal investment of $109 million to convert a large private estate into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless and at-risk youth in Edmonton.
The project, named “Skinner House,” will not only provide safe housing but will also offer mental health services, educational support, job training, and mentorship programs — all designed to give vulnerable youth a real shot at turning their lives around.
“This city has given me everything — my career, my family, my dreams,” Skinner said at a press conference Friday. “Now it’s my turn to give something back — not just a donation, but a legacy of hope, safety, and second chances.”
The facility, which is expected to open in early 2026, will be able to house up to 150 youth at a time and will include on-site counseling, a full kitchen, classrooms, a gym, and partnerships with local employers for job placement programs. The former mansion, located on the city’s west side, will be fully renovated to reflect the center’s trauma-informed design approach.
Local officials, community leaders, and even some of Skinner’s Oilers teammates praised the goaltender for his extraordinary act of giving.
“This is more than philanthropy — it’s a movement,” said Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Stuart is changing lives and setting a new standard for what athlete activism looks like.”
Skinner, just 26, has become known not only for his stellar performance in the crease but also for his deep roots in the community. Born and raised in Edmonton, he’s often spoken about his desire to help youth facing adversity — a commitment that now takes concrete form with one of the largest single private investments in youth homelessness Canada has ever seen.
Skinner emphasized that while the financial investment is significant, what matters most is the message: “No kid should ever feel like they’re alone or forgotten.”
