Oilers Fans Help Raise $2M for 22 Alberta Charities

When the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, fans showed up in a big way. Together with the foundation, supporters raised $2 million for 22 charities helping Alberta families, children battling cancer, animal shelters, and food banks.

Here's how it worked: fans donated $1 million to causes they cared about, and the foundation matched every dollar. The campaign let donors choose from six different areas of need, from hockey programs to pet rescue to cancer support.

The YMCA of Northern Alberta received over $400,000, the largest share from the campaign. Last year alone, the organization served more than 120,000 children, youth, and families through programs supporting physical health, mental wellness, and leadership development.

Kids with Cancer Society got over $300,000 to continue providing free programs and services to children facing cancer diagnoses. "In uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation continues to champion charities, big and small," said Tracey Thurston, the society's Director of Development.

The Edmonton Humane Society, which cared for over 4,000 animals in 2024 and distributed more than 52,000 pounds of food, received over $200,000. The funding will help expand their support for both pets and the people who love them.

Fans who donated $25 or more got entered into a draw to meet Oilers forward Matt Savoie, Sportsnet reporter Gene Principe, and even the team mascot, Hunter the Lynx. But the real prize was knowing their contribution would be doubled.

The Ripple Effect

Over 25 years, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has supported more than 1,000 charities across 140 communities. That's hundreds of thousands of Albertans receiving help when they needed it most, from hospital visits to food assistance to youth sports programs.

Executive Director Myrna Khan credits the fans for making it all possible. "Our fans don't just love the team, they care deeply about their community," she said.

The campaign also supported organizations like Homes for Heroes, Wounded Warriors, Edmonton's Food Bank, Hope Mission, the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Canada. Each organization serves a different need, but all share the same goal: helping Albertans thrive.

When a community rallies around what matters most, $1 million becomes $2 million, and 22 charities get the resources to keep changing lives.