EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will host two specialty game days of the RE/MAX online 50/50 this week, honouring Walter Gretzky's legacy and supporting Hockey Fights Cancer initiatives.
On Wednesday, March 10, net proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will benefit Northern Alberta Food Banks, a cause important to the Gretzky family. The game on Friday, March 12 will benefit the Cure Cancer Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Gretzky was a cherished member of the Oilers family who passed away on March 5. Of the many charitable initiatives that were important to him, the role food banks play in feeding the most vulnerable in the community was of particular importance. The EOCF has a longstanding relationship with Edmonton's Food Bank, which serves a vital role in helping feed Edmontonians, and Food Banks Alberta will also benefit, contributing to 58 food banks across Oil Country to assist Albertans in need.
"Edmonton's Food Bank is profoundly grateful to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for choosing us as one of the 50/50 recipients of this Wednesday's Oilers game," said Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director. "The fact that we are honouring the late Walter Gretzky's wishes makes this gesture even more poignant as he cared very deeply about giving back to the community. The funds we receive from this 50/50 will be used to support our warehouse operations which distributes food to over 250 agencies, churches, schools, shelters, and food depots serving people in need, and to augment our Beyond Food program. Thank you to Albertans for supporting us and for helping us fulfill our mission to serve people in need while seeking solutions to the causes of hunger."
"Food banks across Alberta have been experiencing record demand since long before the global pandemic touched their communities. As Alberta faced one of the worst economic crisis we have seen in decades, most struggled to meet the demand," said Doug Tweddle, Chair of Food Banks Alberta. "The support of organizations such as the Edmonton Oilers Foundation will assist food banks in 58 local northern communities to ensure that families have food on their tables."
RELEASE: 50/50 to honour Walter Gretzky, support Hockey Fights Cancer
Wednesday's online raffle to benefit Northern Alberta Food Banks, Friday's event to benefit Cure Cancer Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation