Oilers community foundation celebrating over $17M raised for local charities
Posted July 11, 2023 5:04 pm.
Last Updated July 11, 2023 7:32 pm.
The Edmonton Oilers celebrating raising over $17 million for various charities in Edmonton, including the family of a young boy who captured the hearts of Edmontonians.
“We knew anything that helped him stay happy and positive was a huge bonus and as his family it really kept us going. So we knew that we wanted to give that to other kids,” said Lea Stelter, Ben Stelter Foundation and Ben’s mother.
During the 2022 playoff season — Ben Stelter — a 6-year-old Edmonton Oilers super-fan battling cancer became a local celebrity appearing on the ice with the team and travelling to watch their games.
Ben tragically lost his battle with the disease nearly a year ago.
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The fund in his memory helps other young children battling cancer receiving a boost from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation to help provide similar experiences and bolster research.
“We’ve been able to invest in some research as well. With liquid biopsy, which is a less invasive way to do a diagnosis on children. That doesn’t require brain surgery — they can do it through spinal fluid,” said Ben’s father Mike Stelter.
Several dozen Alberta and Edmonton-based charities received funds through the Oilers Community Foundation — including the Edmonton Foodbank, Humane Society, Canadian Red Cross, and Free Play for Kids, driven in part by donations and 50/50 tickets.
Another young Oilers super-fan — 10 year-old Cecily Eklund — who is battling brain cancer was on hand for Tuesday’s announcement. She travelled to Los Angeles for the Oilers series against the LA Kings.
“It was my first time on the plane. I got to meet the pilot and then we went to the beach and got ice cream. It makes me feel good that letting kids having adventures like I did, because adventures are way funner than doctors appointments,” said Ekland.
