May 23, 2025 | By Staff Writer
In a heartwarming act of generosity, Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi has pledged $3.5 million to support homelessness relief efforts across Canada.
The 30-year-old winger, originally from Sudbury, Ontario, said the donation stems from his deep connection to his roots and his desire to give back to communities that shaped his journey.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Bertuzzi said in a statement. “I’ve seen firsthand how difficult life can be for people without a stable home, and I feel fortunate to be in a position to help.”
The donation will be distributed among several organizations, including Covenant House Toronto, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, and Chez Doris in Montreal. The funds will go toward emergency shelters, mental health services, and long-term housing programs for vulnerable populations, especially youth and veterans.
Bertuzzi’s contribution is one of the largest individual donations made by an active NHL player toward homelessness. The initiative has already sparked interest from fellow athletes and teammates, some of whom have expressed support for launching similar programs in the U.S.
“He’s always been a guy with a big heart,” said teammate Connor Bedard. “We see the headlines for what we do on the ice, but this is what really matters.”
Bertuzzi added that this isn’t a one-time gesture. He plans to remain actively involved in the development of local outreach projects and hopes his actions inspire others to look beyond the rink and into their communities.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home,” Bertuzzi said. “If I can help even a few people take that first step, it’s all worth it.”
