PHILANTHROPY - Justin Abdelkader
419
page-template,page-template-full_width,page-template-full_width-php,page,page-id-419,bridge-core-1.0.4,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode_grid_1300,qode-content-sidebar-responsive,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-16.7,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.0.2,vc_responsive

PAYING IT BACK. AND FORWARD.

 

Justin was surrounded by a strong support group growing up, from his parents and family, to coaches, neighbors and teammates. Having a community he could count on made all the difference — so he’s made it a priority to give back to the neighborhoods, towns and state he’s called home.

At every Red Wings home game, Justin hosts Abby’s All Stars for an elementary school student and a guest, who are selected from submissions to Red Wings for Reading, a program he helped start to encourage children to read outside the classroom. Justin also participates in many other volunteer and charitable efforts throughout the Michigan.

“DOING WHAT I CAN IS JUST PART OF MY DNA.”

 

Staying late to sign autographs. Surprising students with classroom reading sessions. Helping kids hone their hockey skills. It’s all a big part of the game for Justin, who was raised with a strong sense of community and the importance of contributing what you can.

 

“What happens in the rink is important, obviously,” he says. “But if I can help people notch some wins off the ice as well…even better.”

A BY-THE-BOOK APPROACH TO ENCOURAGING READING.