Justin Morneau may be an all-star in the American League, but he hasn't forgotten his roots.

Morneau and wife Krista have sponsored the multipurpose room in the city's new youth centre. The space will provide youth with an indoor gymnasium where they can host recreational programs and social activities.

"Krista and I are very pleased our donation will help to furnish and equip this much-needed youth centre," Morneau said in a press release. "Youth deserve a dedicated space so they can hang out with their friends after regular school hours and participating in customized recreational and social activities. Krista and I are happy to donate to such a worthwhile project in the city I was raised."

A spokesperson for Morneau said the amount of the couple's donation isn't being disclosed, but confirmed the multipurpose room would be named in the family's honour. The spokesperson said Morneau is also working with Reebok to provide youth athletic equipment over the next couple of years.

Morneau is a first baseman with the Minnesota Twins

"The youth of New Westminster are so excited about the Moreau's donation," said Isabel Gomez-Garcia, a member of the city's youth advisory committee and co-chair of the youth centre's fundraising campaign. "It says a lot about how much they care about the youth in our city, and we are so grateful they recognize how important this centre is to our city."

The youth centre, located at the rear of Century House in Moody Park, isn't far from the ball diamond that the city previously named in Morneau's honour.

The fundraising campaign had a goal of raising $200,000 to furnish and equip the youth centre, which will officially open on Sept. 15.

In addition to the Morneaus, major donors include: Westminster Savings - $25,000; Kraft Canada - $25,000; Century House Association - $20,000; Royal City Rotary - $20,000; Rotary Club of New Westminster - $15,000; and G&F Financial - $10,000. Numerous other contributors have made donation to the campaign, which is still working to meet its $200,000 goal.

When the multipurpose room and other facilities in the youth centre aren't being used by youth, they will be available to members of Century House.

The youth centre's campaign website indicates that donors contributing more than $25,000 are Justin and Krista Morneau, Westminster Savings and Kraft Canada.