Edmonton, AB – December 7, 2023 

2023 Festival of Trees supporters helped the University Hospital Foundation reach its $2.4 million goal towards enhancing the care and comfort of patients, their families and empowering healthcare teams at the University of Alberta Hospital. Chief among these donations was a $1 million lead gift by Court and Kirstin Carruthers, and a $100,000 gift made by an anonymous donor. 

“I speak for all of us at the University Hospital Foundation in expressing my deep gratitude to our many loyal and generous donors. Our fully sold-out Gala, Silver Bell Soirée and Santa’s Breakfast demonstrate immense support not only for the Festival of Trees but for furthering health care here in Edmonton,” shared Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation, “I can’t think of a better embodiment of the spirit of the season.” 

The funds will allow the creation of a new state-of-the-art Simulation Centre and renovation of the Fourth Floor Atrium. 

“A future of advanced, more precise and inclusive health care has been brought so many steps closer because of every person who bought a 50/50 Draw ticket, attended a Festival of Trees event or otherwise donated to the University Hospital Foundation. It is because of every one of you the University of Alberta Hospital continues to be a leading healthcare centre.” said Mishaela Houle, Executive Director of Cardiac Sciences for the Edmonton Zone. 

Presented by Landmark Homes, the 2023 Festival of Trees offered several events to bring Albertans together to celebrate, including: the Shake It Up Fundraising Dinner, Festival in the Garden; Gala presented by Sharon & Jim, Brown, Shelley & Guy Scott Family Foundation and Kim & Don Wheaton; the Silver Bell Soirée presented by Cantiro; 50/50 Draw presented by James H. Brown Injury Lawyers, and Santa’s Breakfast.  

The University Hospital Foundation is continuing to raise funds and invites you to support our mission of advancing health and health care across Alberta and around the world at givetouhf.ca. 

University Hospital Foundation 

Since 1985, the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees has helped raise more than $24 million for the University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Kaye Edmonton Clinic. Using innovative approaches to philanthropy, including new partnerships and bold ideas to bring the right people, resources and solutions together, we are improving health, reducing the devastating impact of disease and addressing the inequitable health challenges faced by members of diverse cultures.  

For more information visit GivetoUHF.ca