Oilers Captain Connor McDavid Makes Special Visit to Edmonton School Following Major Cancer Fundraiser
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spent Tuesday afternoon at Allendale School, where he fielded questions from approximately 600 excited students packed into the gymnasium. The visit came as a prize after the school won a draw for raising funds toward an impressive $285,000 total collected for cancer treatment through the Ben Stelter School Fundraiser.
A Unique Prize with Profound Impact
McDavid described the experience as "unique," reflecting on the substantial funds raised where his presence served as the incentive. "The prize really is how many people that this money is going to help, and all the money that's raised and all the families that will get support," McDavid explained. "So that really is the prize. But if I can be the little cherry on top for some of these schools and some of these kids, then that's great."
Student-Led Fundraising Success
Allendale School secured the winning visit by raising nearly $2,100 through creative student-led initiatives. Their campaign featured several engaging activities:
- Pizza sales that generated community participation
- A raffle offering an authentic Edmonton Oilers jersey as a prize
- The popular "pie day" where students watched six teachers receive pies in the face
Student campaign organizer Atharv Keshra noted the pie event was particularly successful. "It was great because everyone was watching. So it was like everyone was yelling after each pie was thrown," Keshra recalled with enthusiasm.
Record-Breaking Fundraiser Achievement
The Stelter School Fundraiser represents Canada's largest multi-school student-led fundraising initiative, with fifty participating schools contributing to this year's record total. The $285,000 raised nearly triples last year's amount, demonstrating remarkable growth in community engagement and charitable giving.
Honoring Ben Stelter's Legacy
The foundation bears the name of the late Ben Stelter, who passed away from brain cancer in 2022. As an avid Edmonton Oilers fan, Stelter became famous for popularizing the team's "Play La Bamba, baby" victory ritual and formed a deep connection with the team and its supporters that continues to inspire charitable efforts.
Funds from the school fundraiser have been specifically designated for the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience, which aims to bring advanced cancer treatment options to Canada. This specialized form of therapy represents a significant advancement in pediatric cancer care.
Student Reactions and McDavid's Reflections
Moosa Choulli, another member of the student fundraising team, expressed surprise and delight at winning the visit. "We were so surprised to win it, but it was like we were super happy as soon as we got it," Choulli shared.
During the question-and-answer session, McDavid addressed various student inquiries, including one about career challenges. He identified his 2019 knee injury as one of the most difficult obstacles he has faced professionally, offering students insight into the resilience required in elite sports.
The event involved thirty-nine Edmonton Public Schools division institutions, along with sponsors and additional schools throughout the Edmonton region, showcasing widespread community support for cancer research and treatment initiatives.
