In a jaw-dropping and heartwarming move, former Toronto Blue Jays superstar Joe Carter has donated 100% of his reported $100 million in bonus and sponsorship earnings to a groundbreaking homeless shelter and housing initiative in downtown Toronto.
The donation — one of the largest ever by a Canadian sports figure — will fully fund the construction of 150 units of permanent supportive housing and 300 new emergency shelter beds across the city, aiming to make a tangible impact on Toronto’s growing housing crisis.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew this was something I had to do,” Carter said in an emotional press conference held outside the future site of the Joe Carter Housing and Wellness Centre near Spadina Avenue. “No one should have to sleep in a park or under a bridge in a city this wealthy. This is my home. And it’s time I gave back in a way that truly matters.”
The initiative, launched in partnership with the City of Toronto and several local nonprofits, includes wraparound services such as mental health support, addiction recovery programs, job training, and 24/7 healthcare access.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow praised Carter’s unprecedented generosity.
“Joe Carter didn’t just hit a home run — he’s changing lives. This act of compassion sets the gold standard for what leadership looks like,” said the mayor, standing beside Carter as the crowd of supporters erupted into applause.
The donation comes at a time when Toronto’s homeless population has reached record numbers, with over 10,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
Leave a Reply