RELEASE: EOCF to honour Joey Moss with special 50/50

EDMONTON, AB - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will host a second specialty night of the RE/MAX online 50/50 raffle to honour the legacy of Joey Moss.
Building on the success of the John Muckler 50/50 on February 2 in support of the Mustard Seed, the night in honour of Joey Moss will take place on Monday, February 15 as the Oilers host the Winnipeg Jets. Net proceeds generated from the raffle will benefit Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton and Edmonton Down Syndrome Society.
Moss endeared himself to the players, coaches, staff and fans of the Oilers, working in the team's dressing room for more than 35 years. He was born with Down syndrome, and since starting with the Oilers, he quickly became the backbone of the organization. Moss could always be seen helping the other members of the Oilers training staff on a daily basis from the start of camp until the final whistle each spring.
He also became an inspiration to the many current and former Oilers, as well as a role model for the Down syndrome community, excelling at his job and demonstrating perseverance.

Numerous members of the Oilers and the Oilers Alumni Association are supporting the initiative and will be sharing stories and memories of their friend throughout the day.
"Joey Moss was a beloved member of the Oilers family and the EOCF is honoured to continue Joey's legacy and his dedication to Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton and Edmonton Down Syndrome Society," said Craig Simpson, Vice Chair, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Oilers alumnus. "With the success of our 50/50 program, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is proud to support local organizations that were deeply rooted in Joey's life."
Edmonton Down Syndrome Society will use the funds raised through the EOCF 50/50 raffle to continue with the first-rate programming they have at the Joey Moss Literacy Centre for Excellence. Throughout the pandemic, families have benefitted from the virtual services their reading coaches have been providing and, when it's safe to return to in-person sessions, they look forward to taking this program back out to the communities we serve in Alberta.
"Literacy is an essential life skill that will resonate throughout the lives of individuals born with Down syndrome," said Alan Clay, Executive Director of Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. "The Joey Moss Literacy Centre for Excellence provides our families, health providers, educators, and other professionals with access to services and resources that optimize the literacy development of all children born with Down syndrome."
Winnifred Stewart Association will use the funds they receive to continue Joey's legacy of advocating for employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by raising awareness about inclusive employment, fostering employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, while supporting employment programs for people with developmental disabilities throughout Alberta.
"We are so grateful to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, and the greater Edmonton community, for their support in helping us ensure we can continue to carry on Joey's legacy through the Joey Moss Memorial Fund," said Candace Smallwood, Director of Communications & Development, Winnifred Stewart Foundation. "The Edmonton Oilers meant the world to Joey, and Joey has done so much for our community through his work as an ambassador for inclusion. We're honoured to be working together to ensure we can continue on his work, creating greater and more inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities."
Special Olympics Edmonton will use dollars raised from the 50/50 raffle to go directly back into programs and events that support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
"Joey was an incredible force and champion of inclusion. He was integral to paving the way for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be respected and celebrated in our community. We are deeply humbled to have been so closely connected to Joey and we are honored to continue to celebrate his legacy," said Celina Comeau, General Manager, Special Olympics Edmonton. "Thank you to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for continuing to support Special Olympics Edmonton and other organizations that had a special place in Joey's heart. The mission of creating a more inclusive world is what tied Special Olympics, Joey and the EOCF together, and Joey - we hope to make you proud."