Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation 50/50 Aiming To Feed Thousands In Need
Net proceeds from the progressive 50/50 to support food banks across central and northern Alberta
February 9, 2022 (Edmonton, Alberta) – Food Banks across central and northern Alberta are getting an extra financial boost thanks to a progressive 50/50 jackpot from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF). The jackpot will grow over two games on February 9 and 11, and will benefit Food Banks Alberta and Edmonton’s Food Bank. With more Albertans experiencing first-hand the pressures of rising gas, grocery and living costs, 50/50 proceeds will provide food and essentials to those relying on the food bank for support.
The progressive jackpot opens Wednesday, February 9, at 9 AM MST and closes on February 11 at 11 PM MST. The Oilers will face off against the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Islanders.
“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is proud to partner with Food Banks Alberta and Edmonton’s Food Bank.” says Corey Smith, Board Chair of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. “We are excited to announce that the net proceeds from the EOCF progressive 50/50 raffle from February 9 to 11 will go towards putting food on the table for thousands of Albertan families who desperately need it. We encourage all Albertans to get your 50/50 tickets online, or at one of the next two Oilers games to help fight hunger in Edmonton and across the province.”
“We are beyond grateful for the support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation over the past few months,” says Arianna Scott, CEO of Food Banks Alberta. “We know that thousands of families across our province are experiencing food insecurity, and as a result, are accessing their community food banks. This financial support will enable Food Banks Alberta and our member food banks like the one right here in Edmonton, to continue to meet the needs of our communities so that no one goes hungry.”
“At Edmonton’s Food Bank, we envision a community where no one goes hungry. Thanks to generous donors, we continue to serve our neighbours in need,” says Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director. “Funds raised during the progressive 50/50 will support our warehouse food distribution – the heart of our work. This includes food purchases; food collection and redistribution; hamper building for individuals and families; and sharing food with our agency partners like Hope Mission, Bissell, Boyle Street, the Mustard Seed and many more. Our collective commitment to helping others is what makes our community so amazing – thank you.”
Food banks across the province are seeing an increase in usage and demand. According to Food Banks Canada’s annual HungerCount report, released in October, Alberta’s food banks experienced a 30% increase in usage in March 2021, one of the highest in the country. Food Banks Canada attributed the increases due to a perfect storm of rising costs of living, inflation and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding support from the EOCF comes just days on the heels of the announcement that dairy costs across Canada are rising by 8.4%, contributing to further uncertainty to individuals and families working to make ends meet.
This will be the third time the EOCF has supported food banks in Alberta in recent months, with donations from the Canadian Finals Rodeo in November, and the World Junior Hockey Championship this past December. The funding purchased food and essential items for food banks in central and northern Alberta.
50/50 tickets for the progressive jackpot benefiting Food Banks Alberta and Edmonton’s Food Bank can be purchased at www.EdmontonOilers.com/5050.
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