Edmonton, AB — The Winnifred Stewart Association is proud to announce the renaming of its long-standing fundraising initiative, formerly known as Empties to Winn, to Joey & Friends Empties, in honour of Joey Moss—a cherished member of the Winnifred Stewart family and a beloved figure in the Edmonton community.
Joey’s journey began at Winnifred Stewart, where he attended school, lived in our community, and found his first job through our support. That early opportunity paved the way for a life-changing connection with Wayne Gretzky, who saw Joey’s potential and brought him into the Edmonton Oilers organization. Joey’s warmth, reliability, and work ethic made him an unforgettable presence with the Oilers, the Edmonton Elks, and the broader Edmonton community.
“This story happened because someone saw Joey’s potential and gave him a chance,” said Carrie Creaser, Director of Fund Development and Communications at Winnifred Stewart. “Joey had a hunger to be part of something bigger, and he showed the world what people with intellectual disabilities can achieve when given the opportunity.”
The newly renamed Joey & Friends Empties program pays tribute to Joey’s job at a bottle depot—where his dedication and spirit first inspired those around him. It also reflects the broader Joey & Friends Employment Program, which continues to create meaningful work opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In addition to the renaming, the Joey Moss Memorial Fund continues to support Winnifred Stewart’s mission through the Joey Moss Memorial Golf Classic, being held at 8AM on Thursday August 28th at the Ranch Golf and Country Club. The new Joey & Friends brand will be launched at the golf tournament, the perfect event to showcase the amazing cause and how your bottles contribute to Joey’s legacy. Media interview availability will be at the Ranch Golf and Country Club from 8AM to Noon on Thursday August 28th.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about the Joey & Friends Empties program, please contact:
Carrie Creaser
Director of Fund Development and Communications
Winnifred Stewart Association
carriec@wsaf.ca
780-453-6707 EXT 359
www.winnifredstewart.com
