Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, ICD.D.
President and CEO
As I reflect on my first year as Chair of the University Hospital Foundation’s Board of Trustees, what moves me most is the impact we’ve had on patient care and research at the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) site, and the progress we’ve already made in transforming health and health care around the world as part of Ignite 2030, our 10-year strategic plan.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and support and collaboration with our corporate and strategic partners, we surpassed our fundraising goals and distributed over $20.2 million to critically important areas of care at the University of Alberta Hospital site and throughout the community we serve.
The record-breaking responses to Festival of Trees and Heart Pledge Day meant that people living with end-stage kidney disease and serious heart conditions will have even greater access to advanced, life-saving treatments.
Through the Brain Centre Campaign, UHF raised critical funds towards a Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, and in February, the Government of Alberta approved the additional funding needed for the new state-of-the-art facility – the Leona and Kenneth Biggs & Dr. Peter B.R. Allen Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit.
Not only is that the best news possible for patients with life-threatening brain and spinal cord conditions, it also rewards the tireless efforts and steadfast determination of two of my predecessors – Jim Brown and Guy Scott – who, in addition to serving as UHF Board Chairs, co-chaired our very successful Brain Centre Campaign.
Donations to our COVID 19 Emergency Response Fund supported the frontline workers and medical teams by providing comfort in the form of care packages that expressed, in a small yet meaningful way, our immense gratitude for their commitment and resilience amidst unprecedented strain.
In a year of challenges posed by a still-present pandemic and an unpredictable economy, our donors, partners, fellow volunteers and of course, the dedicated staff at UHF, displayed similar determination and resolve.
And that’s why, thanks to all of you, Ignite 2030 is off and running. Our first full year of being Agents of Hope, continuously seeking solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems, is in the books – and I can feel the momentum growing with every passing day.
I would also like to take a moment to officially welcome our two newest board members, Naila Jivraj and Chris Gower. The expertise and experience you bring to UHF make us even stronger and more adaptable to the year ahead.
Joette Decore, MBA
Board Chair
Every dollar makes a difference.
Donors to the University Hospital Foundation play a critical role in funding health innovation and access to critical care. Their generous gifts allow our healthcare heroes to remain at the forefront of patient care at the University of Alberta Hospital site in areas ranging from brain and cardiac care to urology, trauma, transplantation and many more.
Community support also gives researchers the means they need to pursue answers to some of the most challenging – and devastating – health conditions of our time. Thanks to critical funding, we are supporting researchers this very moment as they search for answers to diabetes, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and multiple sclerosis. Thanks to our donors, breakthrough discoveries made here have impact not only on the lives of Albertans and Canadians but people around the world.
Investments in our medical teams and researchers in 2021-2022 by major gift donors played a significant role advancing patient care and research, including expansion of the West Edmonton Kidney Care.
We would like to recognize the incredible donations given this past year by the Mui Kwok Buddhist Temple, Qualico Homes and Go Auto, as well as the generous gifts made to the UHF by individual donors.
“One in four Canadians will be touched by cardiac disease at some point in their lives. Millions of them will come to the Maz. We have to be ready to give the best care possible for every one of them.”
Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President & CEO
Signature fundraising events are a key means for us to connect with our community and raise funds together in a way that is unforgettable, exciting and inclusive.
As one of six organizations in Canada to receive such recognition in 2020, this designation is a testament to our commitment to our mission – to advance excellence – in everything we do, including our daily operations and financial integrity.
Through accreditation, we join a growing community of more than 200 organizations dedicated to operational excellence. Imagine Canada exists to work alongside other charitable sector organizations to ensure that charities continue to play a pivotal role in building, enriching and defining our nation.
The University Hospital Foundation was recognized as one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers for 2022. This special designation recognizes the Alberta employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.