50/50 raffles lead to record-breaking year for Oilers Community Foundation

COVID-19 kept hockey fans at home during the 2020-21 season, but it led to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) reinvesting a record-breaking $13 million in charitable organizations in northern Alberta.

With fans watching games from their couch at home, the EOCF'S Re/max 50/50 draw went virtual for every Oilers home and away game and was open to those 18 and older located in Alberta at the time of purchase. Support for the foundation's 50/50 continued into the regular season after it hit an alltime high during the team's 2020 playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks where the Aug. 7 pot was $14.3 million.

“On behalf of the EOCF, the immense passion shown by fans of oil country through our online 50/50 was instrumental in helping set the record amount of $13 million donated. The EOCF is deeply committed to supporting programs aimed at those most vulnerable in our community,” said Corey Smith, EOCF'S board chair in a news release.

The EOCF also donated $2.2 million of the funds to Operation Frontline Impact, which supports 56 hospitals in northern Alberta, to support frontline health-care providers throughout the pandemic.

“With heartfelt thanks, we commend the EOCF for taking decisive action to support Alberta's frontline care providers,” said Sharlene Rutherford, president and CEO at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, in a news release.

Rutherford said the pandemic has impacted the health system in many ways, but the personal toll put on those providing care under stress, duress, fatigue and risk to their own families is large.

“Mental health supports will be crucial and Operation Frontline Impact is one way our community can begin to demonstrate its gratitude,” she said. “Thank you to the EOCF for being there for those who have been there for us, and setting a clear example for others to follow.”

The EOCF said funding was primarily focused on programs supporting those most vulnerable in the community, including youth hockey programming with a goal of seeing more under-represented groups in the Edmonton community on the ice.

Like many charitable organizations, the EOCF turned to the online 50/50 to continue supporting the community throughout the pandemic. Smith said supporting these community groups wouldn't be possible without the continued generosity of fans throughout Alberta.