EDMONTON – In a team effort to make a significant impact in growing the game of hockey in Northern Alberta, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) has generously committed $1.5 million in funding to the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF).
The funding will generate support for three areas;
- Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community Grant Program,
- a new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program, supported by the EOCF and
- the creation of a Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program.
“Support for minor hockey and the growth of the game has always been an important mandate for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation,” said Corey Smith, Board Chair, EOCF. “This past year was difficult for minor hockey participants, their families, coaches and all minor hockey associations throughout our province. This new program provides funding to continue to grow the game of hockey in our community. We are hockey and we are so proud to support programs aimed at growing the game and getting more kids, from all backgrounds involved.”
“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has always been a strong supporter of our efforts, contributing annually to our Every Kid Every Community program. With this new funding, we’re excited at the opportunity to increase support in Northern Alberta hockey communities while also being able to recognize the key people in those same communities,” said Dennis Zukiwsky, Board Chair, Hockey Alberta Foundation.
The new Hockey Alberta Member Grant Program will allow access to funding for Hockey Alberta members in Northern and Central Alberta. Priority for funding will be given to those in need for leadership development, introduction to hockey, female, para, indigenous hockey programming and any inclusion and diversity initiatives. Members will be able to access the funding application at hockeyalberta.ca.
Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have been the backbone of minor hockey. To thank the volunteers, the ECOF and HAF have formed the Hockey Alberta Volunteer Recognition/Thank You Program. Coaches, parents, and players will have an opportunity to be inspired by their Oilers or Oil Kings heroes by attending games and getting more connected to the teams.
