This holiday season, Safeway is teaming up with the Edmonton Oilers to answer a desperate call for food aid in the Edmonton community. Together, we’ll partner to launch the Oilers Holiday Food Drive to help ease Edmonton’s Food Bank donation shortage – and we’re looking for Oilers fans to join us in lending a helping hand!
In advance of the remaining home games and events in December, non-perishable donations will be collected at Rogers Place in Ford Hall starting two hours in advance of puck drop until the end of the first period for all Oilers homes games (Dec. 20 vs. Pittsburgh, Dec. 21 vs. Montreal, Dec. 27 vs. Calgary and Dec. 31 vs. New York Rangers). Donations will also be collected from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at the Oilers Skills Competition on Dec. 29. Tickets to the games are not required to drop off donations.
The Edmonton Food Bank, a longstanding partner of both Safeway and the Edmonton Oilers, is facing a critical gap in donations to reach its goal of 370,000 kilograms of food. To kick off the effort and build momentum, Safeway is proudly donating $10,000 in food aid. The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is matching the donation, for a total of $20,000 in food support out of the gate.
Safeway has been ingrained in the fabric of the Edmonton community for decades, donating millions in much-needed food and funds for local charities like the Edmonton Food Bank. When we heard there was a critical shortage, we didn’t hesitate to help put food on the table for our neighbours turning to the food bank this holiday season.
With each donation of a non-perishable item at Rogers Place (Ford Hall), Oilers fans will be provided a contest ballot to be dropped off at the arena for a chance to win The Ultimate Oilers Game Day Experience. The experience will be hosted on Wednesday, January 29 and includes:
“When friends and neighbours in our community are in need, it is important for all of us to step up and ensure everyone has food and fellowship, especially during the holiday season,” said Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Executive Director Natalie Minckler. “The Edmonton Food Bank is a pillar within the community, and we need our fans to help us provide for those struggling with food insecurity and poverty.”
The Edmonton Food Bank is integral in responding to immediate hunger needs in the Edmonton Community particularly through its Festive Campaign – a series of donation events – running until January 10, 2020.
“Edmonton’s Food Bank is more than just a holiday hamper. We provide community meals across the city. We provide schools with snacks. We help the homeless shelters. We provide food hampers to individuals and families throughout the year and we need your help,” said Marjorie Bencz, CM, Executive Director, Edmonton’s Food Bank. “Children are disproportionately represented – 40 per cent of hamper clients are kids. Oilers fans have stepped up in the past and we are asking them to once again help us ensure that hope is on the menu in 2020.”
Fans and Safeway teammates that are unable to make it to Ford Hall are encouraged to stop by their local Safeway store to show their support. As you know, Safeway is accepting $2 check stand donations until December 22, with 100% of funds raised supporting the Edmonton Food Bank. In addition, community members can purchase a $5 or $10 food bank hamper year-round to further their giving. Please note that donations made in Safeway stores are not eligible for a contest entry.
Thank you to our outstanding store teams who have done an incredible job of securing donations this holiday season – we couldn’t do what we do without you!
