Posted: Apr 26, 2021 6:00 AM MT | Last Updated: April 26
Casinos in Alberta have been closed for most of the pandemic. Groups that rely on charitable gaming revenue from casino events have been trying to raise funds in other ways.(nazarovsergey/Shutterstock)
The closure of casinos in Alberta is affecting not just the operators bottom lines but also hundreds of charities and First Nations that depend on gaming revenue.
During casino events, volunteers from sports teams, veterans groups, non-profits and community leagues exchange their labour for a portion of casino revenues. In 2019, that revenue share amounted to $168 million.
Many groups have seen their casino events postponed and future events are up in the air.
EDMONTON The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) will be hosting two special nights of its online 50/50 draw during the next two Oilers games. Wednesday s draw will honour Walter Gretzky s legacy with net proceeds benefiting Northern Alberta Food Banks. The role food banks play in feeding the most vulnerable was of particular importance to Walter, an Edmonton Oilers news release read. Edmonton s Food Bank is profoundly grateful to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for choosing us as one of the 50/50 recipients of this Wednesday s game, Edmonton s Food Bank executive director Marjorie Bencz said in the news release. The fact that we are honouring Walter Gretzky s wishes makes this gesture even more poignant, as he cared very deeply about giving back to the community.
EDMONTON The Edmonton Oilers will honour the legacy of Joey Moss with a 50/50 draw that will benefit three charities he was connected to. The Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton and Edmonton Down Syndrome Society will receive half of Monday night s 50/50 pot when the Oilers face the Winnipeg Jets. The biggest winner from Monday’s Edmonton Oilers versus Winnipeg Jets game will undoubtedly be the Winnifred Stewart Association, Special Olympics Edmonton, and Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. That’s because proceeds from Monday’s 50/50 raffle in Joey Moss’ name will benefit those three charities. I think it s going to be an incredible night and a time that we just really can celebrate what Joey meant to all of us at the Edmonton Oilers and the city,” said Craig Simpson, vice chair of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.
They knew that they had the right numbers, and the realization they had won was stunning. Matthies is currently residing in Alberta while she attends the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, so she was eligible to purchase tickets. “I found out bright and early at 8 a.m. (on Jan. 27),” said Matthies. “My dad (Mark) called me bright and early. He was the one who saw it first. We both had the numbers on our phones, and so he called me.” Since there’s a one-hour difference between Estevan and Edmonton, the phone call woke her up. Then he broke the news to her that one of the 60 tickets she purchased for $20 was drawn.
EDMONTON The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOFC) will host specialty nights for the 50/50 raffle, according to the team s website. The first specialty night takes place Tuesday and will honour long-time coach John Muckler. Muckler died Jan. 4, 2021, at the age of 86. “This is the first rematch as a sponsor of the 50/50 for us and this is the first one for this season that will honour some of the former Oilers greats,” Kevin Lowe, vice chairman Oilers Entertainment Group, said on CTV Morning Live Edmonton on Tuesday. “John Muckler’s deserving to be the first.” Half of Tuesday night’s raffle proceeds will be donated directly to The Mustard Seed, an organization that provides a safe place for people living in poverty or homelessness get back on their feet.