Oilers Foundation donates $500,000 to Alberta Cancer Foundation

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) has made a $500,000 donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the organization announced Thursday.

According to the EOCF, the donation is being contributed to pharmacy expansion and redevelopment at the Cross Cancer Institute designed to help address growing demand.

“The success of the EOCF’s online 50/50 has provided an opportunity to offer funding to many charitable organizations in Northern Alberta and the EOCF is delighted to support the pharmacy expansion at the Cross Cancer Institute,” Corey Smith, EOCF Board Chair said in a statement. “The EOCF has a long-standing partnership with the Cross Cancer Institute and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, dating back to the days when Glenn Anderson played with the Oilers. We also participate annually in the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative to continually support and help fund cancer research in Alberta.”

Dr. Charles Butts, medical director for the Cross Cancer Institute, said the group was “incredibly grateful” for the EOCF’s donation.

“These funds will be used to help the Cross Cancer Institute redevelop our pharmacy,” said Butts. “This means we can care for patients more efficiently and meet the growing demand our cancer centre continues to face. On behalf of all the patients who will benefit from your generosity, we thank you.”

The Oilers Foundation transitioned their 50/50 raffles to include the ability to purchase tickets online for Albertans. As of May, it has resulted in over $100-million raised.