Breaking News: The Oilers have used their NHL season bonus to donate $49 million to support victims and rescuers in the search and rescue efforts for those missing in the devastating flash floods in Texas. There are now 68 confirmed dead. Among them are 28 children
BREAKING NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Donate $49 Million to Support Texas Flood Victims Amid Growing Tragedy
In a stunning act of solidarity and compassion, the Edmonton Oilers have announced a $49 million donation to aid victims and fund search and rescue operations following the catastrophic flash floods in Texas. The funds come from a season bonus allocation and will go directly toward humanitarian relief, including shelter, medical aid, and emergency logistics.
As of this report, 68 people have been confirmed dead, with 28 of them being children, in what is quickly becoming one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas in recent memory. Torrential rains earlier this week overwhelmed riverbanks, obliterated neighborhoods, and left entire communities submerged.
The Oilers, known primarily for their prowess on the ice, have now cemented their reputation as a team with heart far beyond hockey. Team president Jeff Jackson issued a statement earlier today:
“We are heartbroken by the scale of devastation in Texas. While we’re based in Canada, humanity knows no borders. We stand with the families grieving unimaginable loss and with the brave rescuers risking everything to find survivors.”
The $49 million will be administered in coordination with international and local relief organizations. Initial disbursements will support:
- Immediate Search and Rescue Efforts
- Emergency Shelters for Displaced Families
- Grief and Trauma Counseling for Survivors and Families of Victims
- Reconstruction Aid for Heavily Damaged Schools and Homes
The team has also pledged an additional $1 million in equipment and supplies, including boats, medical kits, and food packages, being flown in from Edmonton via a coordinated effort with Canadian relief agencies.
In Houston, first responders describe scenes of “utter chaos,” with entire subdivisions swept away. Volunteer rescuer Tanya Velasquez recounted:
“We’re pulling people from rooftops. We’ve seen entire families clinging to tree branches. It’s heartbreaking beyond words.”
The National Guard, Red Cross, and hundreds of volunteers remain engaged in round-the-clock efforts, though worsening weather conditions have hampered access to some of the hardest-hit regions.
The Oilers’ donation adds to a growing wave of international support. Several NHL teams, including the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers, have launched fundraising initiatives of their own. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Landon McBride has declared a state of emergency, calling the situation “a nightmare no family should ever face.”
President Biden, in a late-night press conference, commended the Oilers for their generosity:
“This is what global community looks like. We are grateful to every individual and organization stepping up in this dark hour.”
With the death toll rising and the number of missing still in the hundreds, flags across Texas fly at half-staff. Schools are being converted into shelters, and makeshift memorials have popped up in churchyards and city parks.
Vigils were held tonight in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, where mourners held candles, photos, and teddy bears in memory of the young lives lost.Ahead
As the region braces for further rainfall, officials emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance and community support. The Oilers’ massive contribution, while symbolic, is already having tangible effects. According to FEMA, several rescue teams on the ground are operational today thanks in part to expedited funding.
Though hockey is their craft, compassion is their calling today. The Edmonton Oilers have not just made a donation—they’ve made a statement: No border can divide our shared humanity.
