Paul George was six years old when his mother Paulette survived a stroke that nearly took her twice in one night, and families living with that same fear have been at the heart of his giving ever since. From Palmdale, the desert city that raised him, to every city he has played in, his foundation pairs stroke support with a simple belief: get kids outdoors.
Two Causes, One Childhood
The Paul George Foundation promotes health and well-being for underprivileged children and families, with twin focuses drawn from George's own life. It supports stroke survivors, their families and caregivers through treatment and recovery, and it encourages young people toward nature and the outdoors through its Enjoy the Outdoors program.
Be a Stroke Hero
George's mother Paulette suffered a stroke when he was about six, and doctors brought her back twice. In 2015 he partnered with the American Stroke Association to make public service announcements teaching people to spot the warning signs of a stroke and act fast, the heart of the foundation's Be a Stroke Hero campaign.
A Holiday for Stroke Families
George's annual Christmas celebration hosts local families whose lives have been touched by stroke, giving them a night of support, games and fun together. By 2022 the event was in its sixth year, ending with the families playing arcade games alongside him.
The PG13 Space Crew
With Brotherhood Crusade and the Social Justice Learning Institute, the foundation sends students to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The PG13 Space Crew trips have carried 40 young people to Space Camp, opening a world of science and flight to kids from his Los Angeles community.
Saving His Home Courts
George grew up playing at Domenic Massari Park in Palmdale, and in 2018 his foundation gave the city $25,000 to refurbish its basketball courts as part of the community's Revive DMP effort. The foundation also offered to help match future grant funding, so the park's revival would not stop with one check.
The Jerseys Went Home
When George changed his jersey number from 24 to 13 in 2014, he bought up the remaining stock of his old jerseys and donated them to the students and staff of Knight High School in Palmdale. It was a small gesture with a clear message: Palmdale will always have his heart.
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