Edmonton, AB –The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) today announced that thanks to the support of committed hockey fans and generous supporters, over $1.7 million will be gifted to charitable organizations in Oil Country as a result of fundraising efforts during the 2010-2011 season.

“We would never enjoy this kind of charitable success without the continued support of Oilers fans,” said Natalie Minckler, Executive Director of the EOCF.  “We are humbled by their generosity and encouraged by their eagerness to be a part of what we undertake to make a difference in our community. It’s remarkable."

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation was created in 2001 to further extend the Oilers legacy of giving back to its fans and communities.  Each season the Foundation raises funds through a variety of initiatives including 50/50, Winner’s Choice Lottery, special Foundation events like Rally Against Cancer, Shirts of our Back and Puck Surprise, along with game day and online auctions. 

Bruce Saville, Chairman of the EOCF Board of Directors commented, “Since its inception, the EOCF has contributed over $14.2 million in financial and in-kind donations to charitable organizations in Oil Country. This is not an insignificant contribution and is noteworthy because of the dollars we can provide to others who very much deserve support.”

Each season, the EOCF establishes two opportunities for charitable organizations in Oil Country to submit grant applications for potential funding. This spring, a total of over $150,000 was donated and will help benefit the following organizations:

• United Way Tools for Schools (multi-year donation)
• Edmonton Public Schools Foundation (multi-year donation)
• Athabasca University
• The Support Network
• Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta

The largest undertaking to date for the EOCF has been the redevelopment of Edmonton’s Inner City High School. For kids who come from broken homes and lives rooted in the street, finding something that’s constant and stable can be difficult – but vitally important. In downtown Edmonton, the steadying force has been Inner City High School.

In addition to receiving a high school diploma, the school offers youth help with everything from finding appropriate accommodation to counseling to food and medical care. School administrators believe that by taking care of students’ lives as a whole, they will provide them with a greater chance of success.  In some cases, the school’s work will be nothing short of life-saving.  This past December, the EOCF purchased a building and relocated the school in time to welcome students to begin a new school term in January, 2011. 

The EOCF Board is comprised of community leaders that believe in the betterment of Oil Country through initiatives like Inner City High School. They are a passionate group of people that ensure the EOCF makes an annual return to the community as a result of EOCF work. 

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) is dedicated to building strong and vibrant communities by contributing its resources and financial support to charitable organizations that serve the residents of Oil Country. The EOCF has worked to change lives in Oil Country through their support of registered charities throughout Central and Northern Alberta who focus their activities on youth, education and health & wellness.

For more information about the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and their initiatives, please visit our website at www.oilersfoundation.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Natalie Minckler
Executive Director, EOCF
780-409-5810