NHL, CFL teams donate to relief efforts for evacuees of Alberta wildfire

By: The Canadian Press Posted: 12:15 PM CDT Thursday, May. 5, 2016 Last Modified: 4:46 PM CDT Thursday, May. 5, 2016

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Alberta's professional sports teams are contributing to relief efforts after raging wildfires forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the city of Fort McMurray and other northern municipalities.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/05/2016 (3775 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Alberta’s professional sports teams are contributing to relief efforts after raging wildfires forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the city of Fort McMurray and other northern municipalities.

The NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames have each donated $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross and have encouraged fans to make contributions.

The league later announced it would also be donating $100,000 to the relief organization.

Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers warm up before first period NHL action in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday April 6, 2016.Alberta's professional sports teams are contributing to relief efforts after raging wildfires forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the city of Fort McMurray and other northern municipalities THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

“The National Hockey League family stands with all who have been affected by the devastating fires in Fort McMurray,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We send thoughts of support and encouragement to our neighbors as they confront the physical and emotional impacts of this disaster.”

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Eskimos are spearheading a CFL initiative that includes a combined $50,000 donation to the Red Cross from all nine teams.

Help is coming from outside the province as well, with the St. Louis Blues donating the proceeds of their 50/50 raffle at Thursday’s Stanley Cup playoff game toward relief efforts.

Blues forward Scottie Upshall is a Fort McMurray native.

Canadian golfer Graham DeLaet pledged $500 for every birdie he makes this week to the Canadian Red Cross. He is playing at the PGA’s Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C.