Alex Ovechkin has long been a champion of charitable efforts throughout his storied 20-season NHL career. Ovechkin’s latest work comes in conjunction with the Russian charity DobroFON and their “Corporation of Good” campaign.
As part of the initiative, which encourages people to perform good deeds for rewards and potential career advancement, Ovechkin is the head of the adaptive sports department. He recently spoke at the opening of the campaign about why he feels the need to get involved with helping others.
“God gave us what we have, and we must help people who don’t have it,” Ovechkin told Sports.ru’s Ekaterina Podgornaya. “Everyone who has success and fame should do charity work. You have to help, develop, and do what we all do. God sees everything. If they’re helped, they will help you.”
Ovechkin’s position as the head of the adaptive sports department makes sense as related causes have made up a large portion of the charity work that he has done over the past two decades. He has previously helped raise funds for a Russian para hockey league and has long ties to American Special Hockey.
In October 2014, the legendary winger fell in love with the latter organization after being asked to go on a sushi date by one of its players, Ann Schaab of the Washington Ice Dogs. During the 2015 All-Star Weekend, Ovechkin lobbied to win a free car from Honda and eventually got one, donating the automobile to the group. Ovechkin has also continued to give away tickets to special hockey players via his Ovechkin’s Crazy 8’s program.
Additionally, Ovechkin is very involved in aiding pediatric cancer research, notably teaming up with the V Foundation for Cancer Research this past year. Ovechkin has pledged to donate a matching amount of money to whatever career goal number he scores for the rest of his NHL career. For example, after his next goal, he’ll be making a $898 donation.
“I’m proud to join the V Foundation and support their efforts to fund lifesaving cancer research,” Ovechkin said in a statement this past March. “Throughout my NHL career, I have met many brave kids battling cancer, and I feel it’s important to do what I can to help save more lives from this horrible disease. I want to thank the V Foundation for all their hard work, and I look forward to using my platform and doing anything I can to help further the V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer’s mission.”
Ovechkin has also, among other examples, previously helped in the fight against COVID-19, created educational opportunities for kids, supported victims of gun violence, donated to orphanages, and participated in several Make-A-Wish outings.
