The Edmonton Elks finished a long way away from Grey Cup contention, but that doesn’t mean a winner won’t be crowned next week in the City of Champions.
The Edmonton Elks have announced the return of the one-day Joey Moss 50/50 sponsored by James H. Brown Injury Lawyers. Tickets will be available on Sunday, December 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. MT to anyone 18 years or older in the province of Alberta.
After reaching a total pot of $991,800 during last year’s inaugural Joey Moss 50/50, the Green and Gold are looking to crack the one-million dollar mark this time around. It’s all for a good cause, as the Club helps raise funds for the Winnifred Stewart Association and their important work of empowering people with disabilities.
The money will be a major boost to the Winnifred Stewart Association, who benefitted greatly from last year’s massive pot.
“We’re so grateful for all the support provided by the Elks to our organization since Joey’s passing. They have shown true dedication to keeping Joey’s legacy alive, and to helping us in our mission to create more opportunities and raise awareness about the importance of inclusive employment” said Candace Smallwood, director of development and communications for Winnifred Stewart.
“The ongoing support of our programs through the now annual 50/50 events means so much to our organization and is making a huge impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities in Alberta”
It’s just one way the Elks organization remains committed to furthering the memory of Joey Moss and continuing his advocacy of employment and meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
“Joey meant so much to the Green and Gold and all of Edmonton. We’re honoured to carry on his legacy through the annual 50/50, along with our continued partnership with Winnifred Stewart,” said Allan Watt, Elks interim chief operating officer.
“Through the 50/50 and our continued employment of people with disabilities, we’re reminded that Joey gave us far more than we ever gave him and that supporting meaningful opportunities for every member of our community benefits us all.”
Moss became a household name with the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team working as a locker room attendant for both organizations starting in the 1980s. Players and fans alike looked up to Moss for his passion, positive attitude and incredible work ethic. He taught many people about acceptance and inclusivity through his work and community involvement with both organizations.
Born with down syndrome, Moss was an incredible role model to all Edmontonians.
He helped start the Winnifred Stewart Association’s Empties to Winn fundraiser, which
supports programs and initiatives for people with disabilities in the Edmonton region.
Funds from his Home Trust, which started in 1988 with support from Edmontonians
and local organizations, were used to help open Joey’s Home in 2007, an assisted living
residence for people with developmental disabilities.
In 2018, with support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, the Edmonton
Down Syndrome Society opened the Joey Moss Literary Centre for Excellence. The centre
offers workshops, an on-site library and literacy resources, reading coaches and a speech
literacy consultant.
Moss’ rise to fame expanded beyond Edmonton as he became well-known on the North
American sports scene. People fondly remember seeing Moss on their TV with his hand over
his heart, singing the Canadian national anthem proudly at the top of his lungs before each
home game.
At age 57, Moss passed away in October 2020.
The Joey Moss 50/50 sponsored by James H. Brown Injury Lawyers coincides with the Club’s online locker room sale, which features game-worn gear and discounted new gear available December 8 to 14.
