The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to support victims of last month’s fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. The charitable arm of the city’s National Hockey League team announced Wednesday it has contributed the funds to the CFB Wainwright Support Fund through the True Patriot Love Foundation. The support fund provides immediate and long-term assistance to military members and their families affected by the Oct. 17 grass fire, which was intensified by strong winds. The blaze killed four soldiers and injured 39 others during training exercises at the base, about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. Several remain in hospital recovering from their injuries. In addition to the $100,000 donation, the foundation will donate the net proceeds from Wednesday night’s 50/50 draw during the Oilers’ game against the Philadelphia Flyers. “Our thoughts are with the injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the families of the four fallen heroes, and the first responders who worked tirelessly to support those affected,” Corey Smith, chair of the foundation’s board, said in a statement. “We are thinking of everyone impacted by this tragedy and remain deeply grateful to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their courage, dedication and willingness to serve. This donation is one way we can help provide support to those affected as they navigate the long road to recovery.”
