With the Edmonton Oilers 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff run, the EOCF experienced significantly larger 50/50 pots. The Oilers Foundation identified the opportunity to reinvest a portion of the gaming funding received through the 50/50 program at Oilers home playoff games and Orange Crush Road Game Watch Parties powered by Rogers into Habitat's Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. As per their mandate, the EOCF will continue to reinvest funding to support the life-changing work being done in the community through various programming and partnerships in support of education, health and wellness and hockey programming for youth.
Habitat Canada has a long history of creating affordable housing opportunities in the country. People living in Habitat homes not only help to build their own houses, they also pay affordable mortgages. Habitat for Humanity's innovative approach helps working families on a new path to better, affordable living conditions that lead to improved health and stronger childhood development, as well as a decrease in reliance on food banks.
The Oilers Foundation is dedicated to helping eradicate social issues while finding long-term solutions to build strong, vibrant and safe communities. With a focus on philanthropic leadership in health and wellness, and education for youth in Northern Alberta, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project is a perfect complement to the EOCF's efforts in the community.
"The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is a true leader in our community," said Habitat for Humanity Edmonton President & CEO Alfred Nikolai. "Habitat is absolutely thrilled that they've stepped up to support local families through affordable homeownership. We are proud to have them as part of the 2017 Carter Work Project team."
In addition to its financial contribution to Habitat's Carter Work Project, the EOCF has assembled 125 volunteers from the Oilers Foundation and Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) to help build the homes during the project, including OEG CEO and Vice Chair Bob Nicholson, OEG Vice Chair Kevin Lowe, Oilers players Cam Talbot and Matt Benning, Oilers prospects Dillon Simpson, Tyler Benson and Evan Polei, Oilers Alumni Al Hamilton, Chris Joseph, Brian Benning, Bob Falkenberg, Bryon Baltimore and Ron Walters, and the entire OEG Executive team who will be joined by EOCF Board Members and full-time staff.
"The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is thrilled to support Habitat for Humanity Canada's important work because we believe that everyone in Canada has the right to a safe, affordable and decent place to live," said EOCF Executive Director Natalie Minckler. "Receiving keys to a new home is nothing short of life-changing. The Oilers Foundation and Oilers Entertainment Group are honoured to be part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project."
Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have traveled around the world with Habitat, to build and improve homes. Their time and effort helps to raise awareness of the critical need for affordable home ownership around the globe. Inspiring millions over the last three decades, President and Mrs. Carter have worked alongside nearly 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes.
To donate or learn more about the 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, please visit
hfh.org/carter-work-project
.
