Edmonton Oilers Charity Achieves Record Year Amid National Giving Decline
While charitable giving across Canada has reached a twenty-year low according to recent studies, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is celebrating an exceptional year of philanthropy. The charitable arm of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team announced Thursday that it distributed $11.5 million to 85 different charitable organizations during the past fiscal year, marking a significant milestone for the foundation.
Expanding Reach Across Alberta Communities
Corey Smith, volunteer chair with the foundation, emphasized that their impact extends well beyond Edmonton's city limits. "We take a broad view of Oil Country," Smith stated, noting that their charitable work has reached 139 communities throughout Alberta, including Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and even Red Deer. The foundation's efforts directly benefited more than 65,000 children who received assistance accessing sports programs and activities.
Two-Pronged Approach to Community Support
The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation operates with two distinct but complementary focus areas:
- Every Kid Deserves A Shot: This program specifically addresses barriers preventing children from participating in sports. Through partnerships with organizations like KidsSport Alberta, the foundation helps remove financial and logistical obstacles for young athletes.
- Standing Up for Oil Country: This initiative addresses broader community needs beyond sports. One notable partnership with the Ben Stelter Foundation resulted in over $560,000 in support last year alone.
Contrasting with National Charitable Trends
The foundation's success stands in stark contrast to the broader Canadian charitable landscape. A December study from the Fraser Institute revealed that Canadian giving has declined significantly over the past decade, reaching its lowest point in twenty years. Local organizations like Edmonton's Food Bank, which partners with the Oilers foundation, continue to face unprecedented demand for services while struggling with reduced donations from other sources.
Revenue Success and Future Planning
Smith attributes much of the foundation's financial health to the tremendous popularity of the Oilers' 50/50 raffle, which generated $87 million in sales and $17.3 million in net revenue for the charity last year. Despite this success, Smith acknowledges the need for diversification as the gaming market becomes increasingly competitive.
"We want to see all charities and foundations succeed in greater Edmonton," Smith commented, expressing gratitude for their organization's current position while recognizing challenges facing the broader charitable sector.
Innovative Fundraising Strategies
Looking ahead, the foundation is exploring new revenue streams beyond their highly successful 50/50 raffle. One promising approach involves leveraging connections with Oilers players through special events. Poker games featuring team members have proven particularly popular with donors, demonstrating the value of athlete engagement in fundraising efforts.
As the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation plans for future growth, their record-breaking year serves as a bright spot in an otherwise challenging landscape for Canadian charitable organizations.
