EDMONTON, AB - Today, Hockey Helps Kids officially launched its fifth annual Charity Cup Challenge voting period from January 16 - February 19, 2020. This one-of-a-kind initiative brings Edmonton schools and the Oilers together to raise awareness and funds for local charities and has experienced immense success since its inception. The program kicked off at Rogers Place, where more than 1,500 students were joined by four Edmonton Oilers players who are serving as team captains. For the 2019-20 season, Hockey Helps Kids has partnered with four local schools and charities, alongside four Oilers players who act as team captains for the program. Each team has created a personal video outlining why its cause is worthy of fan votes and donations. The participating schools are:
"I am always inspired by these dedicated students who have enormous passion in supporting their community," said Hockey Helps Kids Team Captain Leon Draisaitl. "Watching the teamwork, creativity and spirit these students have has been a remarkable experience and I am looking forward to the fans seeing the hard work students have put into their video."
Hockey Helps Kids was co-founded by Chloe and Harrison Katz to provide the opportunity to kids from around the city to learn the value of social responsibility and community outreach.
"Harrison and I started this program in the effort to engage students and fans in the community and ultimately drive awareness and raise money for important causes in Edmonton," said Chloe Katz. "These students are so devoted to the charities and it's amazing to see to their ideas come to life through the videos."
"I am grateful for all of these students who have made a huge impact in our community and I want to encourage everyone to take the initiative to watch the videos, go online and vote," added Harrison Katz.
RELEASE: Hockey Helps Kids Charity Cup Challenge returns for fifth year
Fans are encouraged to vote for their favourite video starting today until February 19 by visiting HockeyHelpsKids.com