RELEASE: EOCF sets NHL record with $20 million donated last season

EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced today that more than $20 million was invested into Oil Country during the 2021-22 NHL season -- a record donation year for the foundation and the most ever donated by an NHL community foundation in a single season.
"On behalf of the EOCF, our community partners, I want to share how honoured I was to make this announcement today and how grateful and proud I am to be an Albertan," said Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair. "It's thanks to the unmatched generosity and community spirt of Albertans across the province that the EOCF was able to invest over $20 million back into Oil Country this season.

Through partners like Boyle Street Community Services, Food Banks Alberta, Edmonton's Food Bank and others, the EOCF has helped fund critical programs aimed at housing, supporting and feeding those most vulnerable in the community, especially in Edmonton's downtown.
"On behalf of our staff, board of directors and all those that we serve at Boyle Street Community Services, we would like to congratulate the EOCF on this record year," said Elliott Tanti, Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement, Boyle Street Community Services. "The EOCF continues to set the standard for what meaningful community leadership looks like. Without their transformational donations to Boyle Street Community Services' capital campaign, our downtown community centre -- set to open in the fall/winter of 2023 -- would simply not be possible. We are so thankful to have such outstanding neighbours and partners."
As the second key pillar of the EOCF mandate, the EOCF believes deeply that youth participation in sport is a key to the future success of Alberta communities. Not only does it fuel healthy habits, academic success and mental health, it cultivates future leaders, ignites inclusivity and leads to a safer, more prosperous province. Through partners like KidSport, Hockey Alberta Foundation, Free Play for Kids and others, the EOCF is helping enable youth hockey programming with a goal to increase participation of under-represented groups.
"The Hockey Alberta Foundation was excited to be part of the EOCF Member Grant Program," said Tim Leer, Executive Director of the Hockey Alberta Foundation. "The donation supporting growth, access and leadership in our sport created an impressive legacy for more than 13,000 participants, 60 communities and 80 organizations across Oil Country,"
As the third key pillar of the EOCF mandate, working with partners like Operation Frontline Impact, Wounded Warriors, Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Kids with Cancer Society, the EOCF is committed to stepping up in times of great need for the community and country.
"We are grateful to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and everyone who purchased a 50/50 ticket in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation," said Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation. "Funds raised will allow us to support of innovation in detection, treatment and care that will create more moments for the 23,000 Albertans who will visit one of the province's 17 cancer centres this year. Thank you for making this possible."
"On behalf of the Kids with Cancer Society, we are very appreciative to be one of the recipients of the generous donations from the EOCF and of course, all the fans who contributed to the 50/50 event this spring," said Mike Lovsin, Board Chair, Kids with Cancer Society. "We provide unique and vital services to our kids and because of all of you, children won't fight cancer alone."
"Wounded Warriors Canada is grateful to be a charitable partner of Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation," said Steven Topham, National Partnerships Director, Wounded Warriors Canada. "WWC has created an innovative approach to mental healthcare that use clinical best practices and evidence informed care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency and hope for our veteran and first responder communities. These programs would simply not be possible without the support of organizations like EOCF, at a time when our services are needed more than ever before."
With this record year, thanks to the generosity of our valued hockey fans, Oilers players and alumni, the EOCF board of directors, OEG employees and the Katz family, the foundation has contributed more than $86 million to more than 2,900 charitable organizations and minor hockey programs across Oil Country since 2001.
Here is a complete list of this year's EOCF donation recipients:
- 4 Wing Military Family Resource Centre - 630 CHED Santas Anonymous - Alberta Cancer Foundation - Alberta Lung & NWT - ARNET (Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust) - Basically Babies - Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society - Beverly Towne Community Development Society - Boyle Street Services Society - Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area - Canada-Ukraine Foundation - CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health - Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre - Children's Autism Services of Edmonton - Christmas Bureau of Edmonton - Cystic Fibrosis Canada - Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society - Easter Seals Alberta - Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation (e4c) - Edmonton Down Syndrome Society - Edmonton Gleaners Association (Edmonton Food Bank) - Edmonton Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Food Banks Alberta - Free Play for Kids - Friends of Elk Island Society - Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Education Foundation - Hockey Alberta Foundation - Homes for Heroes Foundation - Humboldt Broncos Tribute Centre - Inn from the Cold - Inner City Youth Development Association - Jasper Place Wellness Centre - Kids Help Phone - Kids Up Front - Kids with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta - KidSport Canada - Lakeland College - Mental Health Foundation - MS Society of Canada - Native Counselling Services of Alberta - NAIT - North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper (Swim Drink Fish Canada) - Right to Play - Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta - Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation - Sarah McLachlan School of Music - Special Olympics Alberta - Edmonton - Spirit North - Sport Central Association - Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation - The Friends of the Steadward Centre - The Grant MacEwan University Foundation - The Mustard Seed (Edmonton) - United Way of the Alberta Capital Region - University of Alberta - Variety the Children's Charity of Alberta - Winnifred Stewart Association - Wounded Warriors Canada - YESS (Youth Empowerment & Support Services) - YMCA Northern Alberta - Zebra Child Protection Centre - Zoe's Animal Rescue