RELEASE: Online 50/50 to honour John Muckler, support Mustard Seed

EDMONTON, AB -The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will host several specialty nights for the online 50/50 raffle, presented by RE/MAX, throughout the 2020-21 season to support local charities and honour Oilers greats.
The first specialty night will take place on Tuesday, February 2 in memory of longtime Oilers coach John Muckler, who passed away on January 4 at the age of 86, and in support of The Mustard Seed.
Muckler was a highly-respected member of the Oilers organization, who was instrumental as a coach and leader, helping build the team into one of the NHL's greatest dynasties. He is remembered for his contributions both on and off the ice, as he was passionate about giving back to the community and supporting Edmonton's most vulnerable.
The Oilers will host the Ottawa Senators, with the net proceeds generated from the EOCF online 50/50 raffle benefiting The Mustard Seed in Edmonton. Muckler's family has asked for charitable donations be directed to the organization the supports Edmonton's most vulnerable population. It is also the charity that Muckler's good friend and fellow Oilers coach Ted Green volunteered with for many years.

For more than 30 years, The Mustard Seed has been a steadfast support for anyone in Edmonton and the surrounding area facing the struggle of homelessness or extreme poverty. As needs increase with current economic and world realities, The Mustard Seed remains committed to providing both emergency assistance and the supports needed to move to wellness and independence.
"The Mustard Seed remains committed to being there for anyone in need by providing emergency food, shelter and basic assistance while helping rebuild lives back to wholeness and independence. These funds will be used to provide direct support to anyone in need and enable us to begin the much needed upgrades to our programs and facilities throughout our downtown hubs," said Dean Kurpjuweit, Executive Director, Mustard Seed Edmonton. "The Mustard Seed is deeply grateful to the Muckler family and Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for choosing to step forward with compassion and extraordinary support for so many in need."
Funds from Tuesday's EOCF 50/50 raffle will directly support those in need through increased emergency assistance services (including food, shelter and basic care) as well as much-needed program and facility enhancements in The Mustard Seed's downtown hubs.
"With the recent success of our 50/50 program, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is deeply committed to supporting programs aimed at those most vulnerable in our community," said Corey Smith, Board Chair, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.
"Partnering with The Mustard Seed, whose work is woven into the fabric of Edmonton's most vulnerable, will serve a vital role in helping support Edmontonians in need. We are humbled to be able to honour John Muckler and his family in this special way."