EOCF puts the 'Fight' in Hockey Fights Cancer

Hockey Fights Cancer and lavender took over Rogers Place Wednesday when the Oilers hosted the Washington Capitals. This initiative will continue to have a presence for the next couple of weeks as the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will also host an online auction from November 1 to 10, 2016.
I chatted with Emma Brook, Coordinator, Community Engagement and Events for the EOCF to learn more about this important initiative.

Q: What is the history behind Hockey Fights Cancer?
A: Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative founded by the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) back in 1998 that raises money and awareness for hockey's most important fight, cancer. The initiative is a program run by the NHL's U.S. and Canadian charitable foundations which, along with NHL supporters and fans, have donated more than $16 million to support national and local organizations involved in cancer care and research.
Lavender is the official colour of Hockey Fights Cancer, representing all cancers, and is prominently featured throughout the campaign.
In the past, the Oilers Foundation has sold scarves and mittens for this initiative, but for the last two seasons toques have been our exclusive item. Each year, we brainstorm and implement new designs or items entirely to keep the program fresh and enticing for our fans. This year our limited-edition item was Oilers toques featuring the Rogers Place Inaugural Season logo and they were very well-received by our fans.
Q: How else have the Oilers been involved?
A: Each year the Edmonton Oilers dedicate a game to bring awareness to childhood cancer and raise funds for a local charity associated with the cause through Hockey Fights Cancer. Our players have also helped grow awareness by sharing their own stories about who they fight for in the battle against cancer. Every year, the Oilers Ladies (wives and girlfriends of the players) get involved to promote the initiative and help raise funds by volunteering to sell our limited-edition items during the game. Net proceeds from toque sales support the Kids with Cancer Society's BrainWorks program and the EOCF.
The EOCF has developed a strong connection to the Kids with Cancer Society, an organization that helps children diagnosed with cancer and their families navigate various parts of the diagnosis and treatment process throughout Northern Alberta. Each year children who are involved with Kids with Cancer Society are invited to participate in a photoshoot with a couple of Edmonton Oilers players to help promote Hockey Fights Cancer and the sale of the limited-edition item. The children and their families are then invited to attend the Hockey Fights Cancer game night, participate in a ceremonial puck drop and enjoy the game. This partnership has created great opportunities for children to meet their hockey heroes and for our players to meet children who truly inspire them.
Top to bottom, the Oilers organization and its partners deck out the arena in lavender, including having corporate partners' permission to have all rink board branding be lavender for the game. New this year, the Sportsnet Club in Rogers Place had prominent lavender lighting and in-bowl, there were Hockey Fights Cancer on-ice projections. Oilers Coaches, Management and all staff show their support by wearing lavender ties and scarves as well.
Q: What sets Edmonton apart from other cities with the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative?
A: We focus on childhood cancer and local charitable initiatives in Northern Alberta. Oilers fans are incredibly supportive of the team and organization, but they are even more dedicated to giving back to their community here in Oil Country. Our items are always popular and fan support is what truly drives this campaign. Our fans' enthusiasm for this initiative is what makes it such a success each year. Just like past years, our Hockey Fights Cancer limited-edition toques sold out prior to the end of the second period: A demonstration of the passion and commitment Edmonton Oilers fans have for giving back.
Looks like the Oilers are spinning their magic early this season, off - and on the - ice.
To learn more about the Kids with Cancer Society's BrainWorks program, please visit kidswithcancer.ca/brainworks. To learn more about the EOCF and their positive work in the community, please visit OilersFoundation.ca.
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