"It's a very significant fundraising event for the Christmas Bureau," said Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) Vice-Chairman and Honorary Co-Chair for the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, Kevin Lowe. "People are not just buying an opportunity to win a signed jersey, but they're also helping people."
With his involvement in the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton for more than 30 years, the Shirts Off Our Backs campaign is one that is close to Lowe's heart.
"Shirts Off Our Backs Night is a date on the calendar I circle every year. It's when our Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Ladies and our unbelievable fans rally around our community and show their support for the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton," said Lowe. "This year on December 17, 2016, our goal is to sell even more raffle tickets in order to raise more funds and awareness for the Christmas Bureau to help make this holiday season a little bit brighter for those in need."
Since the partnership between the EOCF and Christmas Bureau of Edmonton was formed, the EOCF has gifted more than $650,000 towards the Christmas Bureau, helping Oil Country families in need celebrate the holidays with a festive meal.
"However, the gift the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and the Oilers Ladies give us is far reaching," said Christmas Bureau of Edmonton Executive Director Darlene Kowalchuk.
"They help bring the reality of poverty to the forefront during the Christmas season. By hosting such events as Shirts Off Our Backs, the Oilers Ladies engage an audience and bring awareness and understanding of the issues our families face and encourage support from many in our community."
Sharing the seat as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton with Lowe, the Oilers Ladies, the Oilers wives and girlfriends, are eager to be involved with this initiative - grateful for the opportunity to engage with the community, interact with the many passionate fans and work together to provide a festive meal to those in need.
"The Oilers Ladies and I are extremely excited to be Christmas Bureau of Edmonton Honorary Co-Chairs," Lowe added. "We are honoured to be a part of a charity that is truly about community and neighbours helping neighbours."
Fans are able to purchase tickets for their chance to win a signed Oilers orange jersey at multiple ticket locations set up along the concourses of Rogers Place on December 17 during the game.
For those who want to learn more about the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton and other ways to become involved, visit
ChristmasBureau.ca
