Hockey Helps Kids Announces Winner of Fifth Annual Charity Cup Challenge
(Edmonton, AB) – Hockey Helps Kids is pleased to announce today that Team Nugent-Hopkins has emerged victorious in the fifth annual Charity Cup Challenge, winning $25,000 for YOUCAN Youth Services (YOUCAN). This is the fourth straight title for Team Nugent-Hopkins, claiming the top prize once again for the Charity Cup Challenge. This year’s challenge was particularly successful with over 320,000 votes, gaining the most votes in its history.
“I’m proud of my team from Balwin School and all of the hard work they’ve put into raising funds for YOUCAN,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Hockey Helps Kids Team Captain. “It has been a very meaningful experience to partner with Hockey Helps Kids, an initiative that makes such a positive impact on our community in Edmonton.”
The three runner-up teams also receive $10,000 for their chosen charity, including Allendale School (Team Draisaitl), Hillcrest School (Team Khaira) and Westminster School (Team Nurse). These teams have raised funds for partner charities Prosper Place, YESS: Youth Empowerment and Support Services, and Little Warriors – respectively. Each school also receives $5,000 for their participation in the challenge.
“This experience with Hockey Helps Kids has been incredible,” said Kyle Dubé, Executive Director, YOUCAN Youth Services. “To see all the different people from the Edmonton area and around the world spreading the word about Hockey Helps Kids, Balwin School, YOUCAN Youth Services, and the great work that impacts so many of our vulnerable youth has been extraordinary to say the least. We are so proud and honoured to be side-by-side with Balwin School, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers, and of course Hockey Helps Kids as we celebrate winning the fifth annual Charity Cup Challenge.”
Since 2015, Hockey Helps Kids has made a positive contribution to Edmonton’s community by creating mutually beneficial partnerships between local Edmonton schools, Edmonton Oilers players, and charities. The program is administered by Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) and was co-founded by Harrison and Chloe Katz, children of Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) Chairman Daryl Katz and his wife Renee.
“It brings Harrison and I great happiness to see the friendly competition each year between local schools and team captains to raise funds for Edmonton charities,” said Chloe Katz. “Since starting in the 2015-16 season, Hockey Helps Kids has partnered with 21 different charities to donate over $315,000.”
“We’re blown away by the response for this year’s Charity Cup Challenge,” said Harrison Katz. “Chloe and I are thrilled at the success in raising awareness and funds for these deserving charities, and we extend our congratulations to Team Nugent-Hopkins.”
The fifth annual season kicked off at Rogers Place last month, where over 1,500 junior high students were joined by four Edmonton Oilers players to start the voting period off strong. Hockey Helps Kids works alongside the curriculum for each school, highlighting the importance of thinking creatively, working as a team, and, most importantly, learning about the significance of contributing and being active members in the Edmonton community. Additionally, each team produce a video to showcase and promote their school’s charity of choice.
“When I think about how the Hockey Helps Kids initiative has brought our community together to work on one project, I am left in awe of the support from communities near and far,” said Christina Jones, Principal, Balwin School. “This initiative was an incredible amount of work; however, supporting youth and YOUCAN and seeing the organization do important work with at risk youth has been extremely gratifying and humbling for our school community. We are so thankful to the Edmonton Oilers, Hockey Helps Kids, and of course, Team Captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the support and opportunity.”
For more information about Hockey Helps Kids Charity Challenge, please visit https://www.hockeyhelpskids.com/.