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Preseason hockey goals are about to put real money into free rehabs and grassroots recovery programs. The NHL announced on September 16 that it will donate $100 for every goal scored during the 2026 preseason to the Matthew Perry Foundation. That doubles last year’s $50 per goal contribution.
How Goals for Recovery Works
The fundraiser runs through the league’s eight day 65-game preseason slate from September 19 to 26. Teams will play across 36 NHL and neutral site venues.
Every goal scored during that window generates $100 for addiction recovery. The money will also support prevention and advocacy work across North America. The timing is deliberate. September is National Recovery Month.
“Few things bring people together quite like hockey and that sense of community is at the heart of Goals for Recovery” said Rob Wooley executive director of the NHL Foundation.
“We’re grateful to the Matthew Perry Foundation for giving us the opportunity to turn that connection into something meaningful.”
Where the Money Goes
The Matthew Perry Foundation began after the actor’s accidental death on October 28, 2023. Its mission centers on eliminating the stigma around addiction by funding organizations that offer hope in recovery.
Last year’s contribution went in two directions. Both focused on improving access to care.
Half supported the inaugural Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. The fellowship trains physicians to treat addiction as the disease it is.
The other half supported grassroots programs such as Mariposa Heritage House in California and its Sober Sluggers recovery softball league.
Small community organizations like these often provide free rehab support. They can also offer free peer support and free structure for people who cannot afford care.
“That money goes directly to small grassroots organizations that are on the front lines and where even the smallest of donations is really the difference between them keeping their doors open and having to close” said Greg Fleisher, the foundation’s communications director. He said the grassroots grant program is expanding nationally this year.
Why Grassroots Funding Matters
Large treatment systems receive much of the attention. Yet many people find recovery through free or nearly free community resources.
These resources include peer support meetings. They include recovery residences run by nonprofits. Faith based programs also play a role.
Volunteer run leagues such as Sober Sluggers give people in early recovery somewhere to go and something meaningful to do.
Small grants help these organizations keep their doors open. For uninsured people those doors may provide the only practical path to support.
Who Can Use These Resources
Grassroots recovery programs generally do not screen people based on health insurance or income. If you need free support, a local meeting directory or a state funded helpline often provides the fastest starting point.
Programs supported through initiatives such as Goals for Recovery typically offer peer support and sober activities. They can also connect people with formal treatment when that becomes the right next step.
Finding Affordable Treatment
Celebrity linked fundraisers can provide valuable support. Still the daily work of finding care often comes down to knowing where to look.
Rehabs.org lists free and low cost treatment options nationwide. The listings include Medicaid covered rehabs, nonprofit programs and sliding-scale clinics.
Search for free rehabs near you. Then compare what each program offers. Call
800-914-7089
(
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to find affordable care.
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