Golden Bears beneficiaries of Elks 50/50 proceeds – University of Alberta

Golden Bears Football
9/6/2024 12:42:00 PM

Edmonton Elks Communications

Elks donate over $500k to amateur football in Alberta

EDMONTON — The 2018 Grey Cup continues to pay dividends for Edmonton’s football community.

The Edmonton Elks announced Friday a donation of more than $500,000 to Edmonton’s amateur football community, with the proceeds coming from the Club’s successful hosting of the 2018 Grey Cup.

A total of five amateur football organizations received funds from the 2018 Grey Cup 50/50, which generated a total pot of over $1-million when the Calgary Stampeders took on the Ottawa RedBlacks in front of a capacity crowd at Commonwealth Stadium.

Among the groups receiving funds were Edmonton’s two junior programs ($102,000 each) – the Huskies and Wildcats – along with the University of Alberta Golden Bears ($100,000). Both junior programs rely heavily on 50/50 proceeds at Elks games to fund operations, while ongoing 50/50 money has helped the Golden Bears recruit some of the nation’s top talent.

“If you have the funds to attract top level players with scholarships at a top institution, you can turn around your program. And the Elks have really kick started that with us,” said Bears head coach Chris Morris. “It helps us bring in the best student-athletes from across the country, and lets us compete in a highly competitive Canada West conference. 

The support from the Elks to the greater football community is tremendous. I’m not sure there is another club in the CFL that has this level of commitment for amateur football as the Elks do.” 

The timing of the announcement is fitting, as it coincides with Edmonton’s latest attempt to bring Canadian football’s biggest game to the City of Champions.

The Elks, along with their partners at the City of Edmonton, Explore Edmonton, and the Province of Alberta, are currently pursuing the 2026 Grey Cup. Edmonton’s bid was submitted last week, as the Club looks to bring the Grey Cup to the city for a sixth time after previously hosting in 1984, 1997, 2002, 2010 and 2018.

“After successfully hosting the 2018 Grey Cup, the Club has been waiting for the right moment and organizations to share the 50/50 proceeds with,” said Elks President and CEO Rick LeLacheur. “Today’s announcement ensures amateur football opportunities are strengthened in our community at the university, junior, and minor football levels.”