Edmonton Oilers support CAF Personnel & Families at Battle of Alberta game

In honour of men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Edmonton Oilers wore camouflage jerseys during the Battle of Alberta game on April 29.

RECOGNIZING CAF PERSONNEL

The Oilers faced off against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place while also recognizing members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Forces, showing support for the CAF.

“The Oilers are proud to host our Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night to recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of the men and women who serve our country,” said Tom Anselmi, president of business operations and COO of Oilers Entertainment Group.

“The military has played an integral role in the COVID frontline response, including administering vaccines and delivering food to remote areas that have been impacted by the virus. We are grateful for all Canadian Armed Forces efforts and it is important we continue to support the programs and services dedicated to military members, veterans and their families in honour of their invaluable service and their sacrifice.”

According to a press release, the special military-inspired camouflage jerseys players wore during pre-game warm-up were signed and made available for auction, with proceeds going to the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).

FOUNDATION ONLINE 50/50

In additional support for the CAF, net proceeds from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation online 50/50 presented by RE/MAX will be put towards the Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) in Edmonton, Wainwright, and Cold Lake.

The jackpot for the 50/50 was valued at $812,455, according to the Edmonton Oilers website.

NORTHERN ALBERTA MFRCs

As stated in a press release, the Wainwright MFRC Child Development Centre creates safe, welcoming, and functional childcare to meet military families’ diverse and unique needs. All of their proceeds will go into the enhancement of this program.

Since children of CAF members often have a difficult time in school systems due to a unique set of circumstances like the frequent moves of the family, long absences by a parent on deployment, and setbacks in learning due to changing curriculums from province to province, the 4 Wings MFRC in Cold Lake will put their proceeds into a tutoring program.

The Edmonton MFRC will use funds raised to support their child and youth programs. The Edmonton Garrison has a large number of young families, and access to different childcare programs is a crucial service that is widely used, the press release mentioned.

By wearing yellow decals on their helmets, players will also be recognizing the efforts of the Support Our Troops organization, which was established to help meet the unique needs and special challenges faced by members of the CAF community as a result of military service.

Unfortunately, the Oilers lost to the Calgary Flames 3-1.