When ATB Financial signed a four-year sponsorship agreement with the Edmonton Oilers in 2008, it wasn't just about a financial institution sponsoring an NHL team. The deal opened the doors for two community-minded organizations to strengthen the charitable ambitions we share.
Take the Oilers Ladies, for example. In 2008, they helped ATB raise $50,000 for the Christmas Bureau by raffling off signed Oilers jerseys in Edmonton-area ATB branches during the Shirts Off Our Backs promotion. The following year, the Oilers Ladies helped ATB raise another $50,000 for the Christmas Bureau by raffling limited-edition Oilers Christmas ornaments.
Schoena Strudwick, wife of Oilers defenceman Jason Strudwick, says the Oilers Ladies always look forward to giving back to the community. "We do four major fundraisers a year and we like to support the Christmas Bureau on a continuous basis to really let them know that we'll always be there to support them."
In addition, the Oilers Ladies reach out to many other community organizations like Suit Yourself, a group that helps clothe women who are getting back into the workforce through social programs, Win House, a shelter for women coming out of abusive relationships, the Stollery Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House to name a few.
"It's about doing what we can in the community to give back," says Schoena. "We're very fortunate to be in the position we're in."
"I'm really proud of the group of girls we have here," adds Jason, now in his third season with the Oilers. "They do a great job. It really helps out whether it's raising money or getting awareness out there for various charities. Schoena really enjoys doing it."
Jason, who grew up in Edmonton, has always had an appreciation for what the Oilers mean to the community. "I can remember going to the West Edmonton Mall practices and standing in line for an hour to get one autograph and being so thrilled to get one," Jason recalls.
Now he's an Oiler. He's the one signing autographs at the annual ATB Financial Oilers Autograph Session at West Edmonton Mall. And he relishes opportunities to volunteer his time for deserving charities. "As players, we're lucky to have a platform where people are interested in what we have to say," he says. "When we came back to Edmonton, I knew the Oilers' tradition was well-established. Schoena and I made a conscious decision to really get active in the community because not only do I play for the Oilers, Edmonton is our home."
Jason and Schoena mean what they say. They were there when ATB announced our associates raised $300,000 for the Stollery during the annual Teddy for a Toonie fundraiser. "To see the difference ATB has made on such a vast level was so cool," says Schoena. "Jason and I were both in awe. It's nice to see the involvement and the genuineness that came with it. ATB wasn't doing it because they felt like they had to. That's refreshing to see a company with humility and compassion."
"Just to meet the people behind the scenes from the Stollery and ATB was nice," adds Jason. "Teddy for a Toonie is just a great program and it's good to see that it's working well for everybody."
