EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) announced the return of their Holiday Homestand 50/50 raffle running through December 22, helping families and kids in need this holiday season through the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, Make-A-Wish Canada, CASA Mental Health, Hope Mission and 880 CHED Santas Anonymous.
"For many families in Oil Country, the holiday season can be a difficult time as they may be facing hardship or loneliness," said Corey Smith, Board Chair, EOCF. "This year, we are proud to partner with the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, Make-A-Wish Canda, CASA Mental Health, Hope Mission and 880 CHED Santas Anonymous, through our Holiday Homestand 50/50, to help ensure that kids and families across Oil Country get to experience some holiday cheer. By embracing the spirit of giving this Christmas, we can bring hope and joy to those who need it most."
Each year, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton shares the giving spirit by providing festive meals and gifts to Edmontonians in need.
"The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has been a long-time partner of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, helping tens of thousands of families over the years," said Adam Zawadiuk, Executive Director, Christmas Bureau of Edmonton. "Today, through the hard work of the EOCF and the generous support of the die-hard fans in Oil Country, we know that we will be able to bring joy to the tables for so many fellow Edmontonians. At the end of the day, we don't know who may need help during the holidays, but thanks to the support of the EOCF, we know that will be in a position to help and support our community."
For more than 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has provided sick children and their families with strength and hope by granting them a wish.
"A wish gives the sick child and their family the strength to face the devastating journey ahead of them," said Jen Garden, Chapter Director of the Northern Alberta Chapter of Make-A-Wish. "With the support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation’s 50/50 raffle, we're able to bring a 'Best Day Ever' to more children and their families."
CASA Mental Health is a non-profit organization providing mental health services to Albertans. They support up to 8,900 kids and families each year, providing a variety of support services that include community outreach efforts and specialized treatment programs.
"CASA Mental Health provides mental health services to Alberta children aged three to 18 and their families," said Nadine Samycia, Chief Donor Love Officer, CASA Mental Health. "CASA is expanding and bringing services closer to where kids and families are, across Alberta. In a few short years, we’ve more than doubled the number of kids and families served, and we worked with close to 9,000 children, youth and families last year alone."
Hope Mission serves meals to thousands of people in Edmonton struggling with unemployment and homelessness and provides shelter and emergency care for those in need.
"We are so grateful for the support that the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has provided for the vulnerable men, women, youth and children in Oil Country," said Kevin Wiebe, Donor Relations Manager, Hope Mission. "Because of the Oilers, many thousands of meals and life-changing care has been given to those who need it most. Thank you for making a difference."
With the help of thousands of volunteers and donors, 880 CHED Santas Anonymous is able to collect, sort, package and deliver toys to more than 20,000 children each year.
"With the growing need in our community, 880 CHED Santas Anonymous remains committed in its mission to ensure every child has a new toy under the tree at Christmas," said Angel Benedict, Executive Director, 880 CHED Santas Anonymous. "The generosity of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, Edmonton Oilers and their incredible fans not only provides toys, books and teddy bears, but also creates cherished memories and a sense of belonging and hope for families in our community."
The Holiday Homestand 50/50 raffle features more than 20 prizes, including gift cards, PWHL Takeover Tour tickets, 4 Nations Face-Off tickets, an Oilers suite for 12 and multiple cash prizes.
Customers who purchase $100 in 50/50 tickets will receive a $25 voucher for Century Hospitality Group and River Cree Casino and 10 free spins on the Play Alberta Oilers casino games.
The main jackpot draw is on December 22 at 11:00 PM and the Holiday Bonus draw will take place on December 31 at 11:00 PM. Oilers 50/50 tickets are available at EdmontonOilers.com/5050.
