Quinn: The acceptable face of football
The Republic of Ireland international will have a benefit match on 14 May at the Stadium of Light, with his team-mates at club and country level taking part.
And the expectation is for the game between Sunderland and Ireland to raise £1m.
Given the current cloud hanging over the nation's most popular sport - crowd violence and disgraced footballers at the fore - Quinn's gesture is all the more commendable.
But the softly-spoken Irishman has revealed that this is his way of "fighting my demons" for the privileged existence football has afforded him.
"This game and the money we are going to raise, it isn't me standing up and deserving credit," Quinn told the Sunday Times newspaper.
"This is me fighting my demons, my way of saying, 'Look, I am sorry for giving in to the temptations'.
"I have abused the privileged life I've had, and if this match is anything, it is me paying my debt.
"I am uncomfortable with the way football is going, has gone.
"If I hadn't become a professional footballer, if I'd stayed in Ireland and got a job, I think I would have been a far better person. I am convinced of that.
"That's the debt and it's something that crosses my mind every week."
Inspiration
The 35-year-old has decided to split the money raised at the testimonial between children's hospitals in Sunderland and Ireland.
The proceeds going to his homeland have been earmarked for an HIV ward for young children.
And Quinn is also hoping the event will inspire his fellow professionals to get more involved in helping those less privileged than themselves.
He added: "The target is to raise £1m - £500,000 to children's hospitals in Sunderland, another £500,000 to a children's hospital in Dublin.
"We are also hoping that it will be the first ever non-segregated game at the Stadium of Light."
"It is customary in testimonials for the players to be given an expensive gift as a gesture of appreciation for their participation.
"Dennis Wise, after his testimonial, was reported to have given the players a valuable Rolex watch.
"Unfortunately for the fellows in my game, our plan is to give them each an envelope on the night.
"Inside the envelope will be a letter from a child in the underdeveloped world whose education has been sponsored by the player's participation in the game.
"The hope is that the letter might begin a one-to-one relationship between the player and the child."