Gilbert Brule and his grandfather John (right) kick off the Rock and Wrap It Up! campaign at the Edmonton Food Bank

Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is teaming up with Rock and Wrap It Up! to fight hunger in Edmonton. Under a partnership between the National Hockey League and Rock and Wrap It Up!, all 30 of the League’s Member Clubs have committed to join forces with Rock and Wrap It Up! to donate any prepared but not served concession food on game nights for redistribution to local shelters and places of need.

Edmonton Oilers Gilbert Brule and his grandfather John, an active volunteer at Edmonton’s Food Bank, joined the EOCF Wednesday afternoon to help kick off the campaign at Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“The EOCF strives to make a positive impact in the community and Rock and Wrap It Up is a program that allows us to give back to Edmonton’s less fortunate,” said Natalie Minckler, Executive Director of the EOCF.

The innovative program will see prepared but untouched food from Oilers and Oil Kings games held at Rexall Place being redistributed rather than going to waste. Dominion Sport Services will prepare the food and pair it with nutritious sides to create a well-balanced meal. Meals will then be immediately packaged, ensuring health code standards are met, and will be picked up on a weekly basis by Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“Assisting shelters and agencies in Edmonton to have food to support their clients can often be a challenge, but with the support of the EOCF and Rock and Wrap It Up!, we believe that we are one step closer to reducing hunger in our community,” said Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank.

Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, ATB Financial, TELUS, Cenovus Energy and Ford.