Edmonton, AB – August 23, 2022 

The University Hospital Foundation (UHF) is excited to announce the Festival of Trees is coming to town– reimagined and more accessible than ever. One of Edmonton’s most beloved, longest running holiday celebrations, the Festival of Trees is set to offer Albertans a variety of exciting events and activities, spread out at several different venues from August to the end of December. Kicking off this year’s festival is the Festival in the Garden, held this Thursday August 25 at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. 

“We are thrilled to bring people together for more events at more venues across the city – welcome and accessible for festival-goers of all ages and abilities.” said Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation. “After several long years of rethinking the Festival and wave upon wave of continued support from our community, we were inspired to bring back some fan favourites, as well as all new events.” 

With careful consideration towards health recommendations, the Festival will offer public events like the Gala and Auction, Santa’s Breakfast and Soiree, along with Festival in a Box, a virtual auction and more.  

“For those festival-fans looking to see the beautiful trees, we have ensured that we have some at several of the different events, but especially at our brand new holiday market.” Dr. Abbott added. 

This year’s theme of Let it Shine reflects our goal of making space for everyone to feel welcome, embodying a sense of community and dreaming big while showcasing some of Edmonton’s iconic landmarks. It also speaks to the idea that the sky is the limit when it comes to the dedication of the UHF and the community in raising funds to support research and innovation to critical healthcare problems. That includes this year’s cause of neurological rehabilitation. 

“Quick access to care is critical for a patient’s recovery from brain and spinal injuries. Currently, neurological patients can face waits of up to 23 days to access the advanced rehabilitation they need. With your help, we aim to change that by funding a new Neurological Rehabilitation Innovation Centre.” Explained Dr. Abbott.  

Neurological illnesses and injuries are already the leading cause of disability in Alberta and around the world. Further adding to the pressure on neuro rehabilitation, an estimated 28 per cent of Canadians will be hospitalized with a brain injury by 2031. Adding a state-of-the-art Neuro Rehabilitation Innovation Centre at the University of Alberta Hospital will give patients with potentially debilitating neurologic conditions timely access to intensive rehab treatments and improve their chances for a full recovery. 

The new Centre will also make the University of Alberta Hospital one of the very few acute care settings in North America to offer advanced rehabilitation to its brain and spinal cord patients.  

The festival and the incredible impact it has had on health care in Alberta is only possible because of the many volunteers and community supporters that come out each year to celebrate the magic of the season. Since its founding in 1985, the Festival of Trees has raised more than $24 million for a range of causes. Past support has had a major impact on every area of health care provided at the University of Alberta Hospital site, including funding the expansion of the including funding the expansion of community dialysis programs, advanced life support equipment and the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the University of Alberta Hospital’s Stroke Ambulance, and Alzheimer’s disease research. 

Tickets for select 2022 Festival of Trees events are on sale now.