Community
UFC RAISES MORE THAN $107,000 FOR THE EDMONTON OILERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DURING FIRST EVENT IN OIL COUNTRY SINCE 2019
UFC Also Donates Three Tons Of Food To The Edmonton Food Bank
UFC recently partnered with Rogers Place and the Edmonton Oilers to host a 50/50 raffle as part of the organization’s return to Oil Country during UFC FIGHT NIGHT: MORENO vs. ALBAZI on November 2.
The three-day raffle grossed $107,735 CAD ($77,497.56 USD) with net funds benefitting the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. A winner of 50% of the jackpot was identified and chose to remain anonymous.
The total raised during the raffle, available to fans in-venue and online to all residents throughout the province of Alberta, marks the second highest non-Oilers jackpot of the year.
“We are honored UFC Edmonton chose to partner with the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for their 50/50 raffle,” said Myrna Khan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. “The funds raised will support programs focused on empowering youth, using the power and spirit of hockey to inspire and enable 100,000 kids in Oil Country to reach their full potential.”
Established in 2001, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation focuses on providing programs aimed at those most vulnerable in the community and youth hockey programming,with a goal to increase participation of under-represented groups in the community. The Oilers Foundation is dedicated to building strong, vibrant and safe communities by demonstrating philanthropic leadership and continuing its deep legacy of giving back.
As part of fight week, UFC also collaborated with Stollery Children’s Hospital to provide toys and candy for pediatric patients trick or treating inside the facility on Halloween. UFC middleweight Gregory Rodrigues and Oilers mascot Hunter the Lynx spent the afternoon with pediatric patients and staff celebrating the holiday.
“It was fun to spend the afternoon with these kids,” said Rodrigues. “Allowing them to shop for toys and candy on Halloween, while dressing up as their favorite characters, is a great idea. As a father, I understand what this means for kids, and it’s more impactful given what they are going through. I’m happy we were able to come.”
UFC also partnered with The Westin Edmonton, the fight week host hotel, to donate three tons worth of food items, valued at $9,500, to the Edmonton Food Bank. Founded in 1981 as Canada’s first food bank, the Edmonton Food Bank addresses food insecurity and water issues by collecting surplus food and distributing it for free to those in need throughout the local community.
The UFC Foundation works in tandem with UFC’s corporate social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity, to strategically collaborate with partners, sponsors, and athletes to develop additional charitable programs and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the local community.
Since 2017, UFC has produced more than 35 separate 50/50 raffles throughout North America that have grossed more than $2.1 million, with net proceeds benefitting local charities in the communities that have hosted UFC events throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, please visit UFCFOUNDATION.
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