The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation’s (EOCF) inaugural Every Kid Deserves a Shot Community Day was hosted on Saturday at Fan Park, as the EOCF announced a $1.5 million investment in the Hockey Alberta Foundation (HAF). This funding is part of a continued partnership that will see the EOCF commit $7.2 million over the next five years totaling more than $21 million invested in the initiative by 2030.
The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program is one of the direct beneficiary of this support, breaking down barriers so more kids across Alberta and Oil Country can access hockey, develop leadership skills, and stay connected through sport. The announcement came during Every Kid Deserves a Shot Community Day, which featured family activities, community booths, and special guests to celebrate the power of hockey in bringing communities together.
"The Hockey Alberta Foundation’s Every Kid Every Community program, supported through funding from the EOCF’s Every Kid Deserves a Shot initiative, is working to inspire every kid and every community’s passion for hockey," said Jeff Robson, Foundation Chair, Hockey Alberta Foundation. "We are grateful for these continued funds to remove barriers so more kids can access the game, develop as leaders, and stay connected through sport. Together, we’re building stronger communities and ensuring every kid has a chance to experience the power of hockey."
"This investment from the EOCF is truly transformational for our work," said Michelle Skilnick, Manager, Foundation and Events at Hockey Alberta. "It allows us to reach more communities, remove more barriers, and give every child in Alberta a real opportunity to experience the game we all love."
Over the past four years, more than $3.2 million has been disbursed through our Every Kid Every Community and Member Grants programs. This funding has touched hundreds of communities and given over 10,000 kids the chance to try, play, and participate in local hockey programs opportunities made possible because of this partnership.
To learn more about the EKEC program visit the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Every Kid Every Community Grant here.
