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Jonathan Toews donates $1 million to Winnipeg community center

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is known for being serious, and it turns out he can be pretty generous, too. The hockey star recently donated $1 million to a fundraising campaign for the Dakota Community Centre in his hometown Winnipeg, helping to support the area where he grew up.

The money, which the organization says is the largest private donation ever given to a Manitoba community center, will go toward building a new fieldhouse that will be part of the already-existing Jonathan Toews Sportsplex. Construction is already underway and the facility is set to open in fall 2017.

“From my earliest days playing hockey, Dakota Community Centre has always played a pivotal role in my upbringing and my career,” Toews said in a statement. “Today, I continue to be honoured to have my name associated with the Sportsplex on the Dakota campus. My parents have instilled in me the importance of giving back, and I believe that in supporting Dakota, we will see endless possibilities for the Community Centre’s future and transformation in the lives of our community members.”

Toews is currently in the second year of an eight-year, $84 million contract signed with the Blackhawks. He’s tied with teammate Patrick Kane as the highest-paid players in the NHL in terms of average annual salary. As part of his front-loaded contract, he’s earning a $13.8 million salary this season.

Still, even for someone taking home that much money, donating $1 million is a pretty grand gesture of generosity. Toews doesn’t need to do stuff like this, but he’s shown a commitment to his hometown area that’s truly commendable. While we certainly love Toews here in Chicago, Winnipeg must be proud to call him one of their own.

Talking Points