Most of us have come to realize how much need there is in the health system.
The need for more capacity and resources. For advanced equipment and technology that enables our healthcare teams to do even more, in less time, for their patients. The need for quicker diagnosis, clearer pathways to our health and a greater understanding of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease so that, one day, their impact can be reduced — if not eliminated.
Thanks to you, our donors, sponsors and partners, the University Hospital Foundation is doing everything possible to meet those needs. And your timing could not be better.
Because of your generosity, researchers at the University of Alberta are moving closer than ever to developing a pill that may cure Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials are around the corner for a new treatment that could stop diabetes in its tracks. And Heartway, a unique collaboration between the University Hospital Foundation, the Government of Alberta and Novartis Canada, is empowering patients with potentially devastating heart disease to be more accountable for their health.
Your stories of overcoming health-related challenges, inspiring you to help others facing similar battles, are a constant source of inspiration.
I would also like to send a special thank you and fond farewell to Cathy Osborne, retiring Senior Operating Officer at the University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and Kaye Edmonton Clinic, and an invaluable member of our Board. Her patient-perspective has been a tremendous asset to our organization for many years. Thank you, Cathy!
Once again, to our donors, sponsors and partners, and from all of us at the University Hospital Foundation, thank you for your support. You make everything we do possible and bring hope to patients and their families who desperately need it.
Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, C.M., ICD.D
President & CEO
Dr. Shelley Scott, MD, FRCP(C) Retired
Board Chair
I would like to thank our donors, sponsors and partners for making the past year so remarkable. I would like to express my appreciation for our President and CEO, Dr. Jodi Abbott, and the tireless Foundation team, for all the fantastic work they do for the Foundation.
We welcome new trustees Peter Dawson and Erick Hamdan, who have already demonstrated their exceptional leadership and community advocacy. We also thank our outgoing trustees Beth Allard-Clough, George Cantalini, Phyllis Clark, Joette Decore, Cathy Osborne and Dr. David Zygun for their commitment and dedication, and the special areas of knowledge, experience and expertise they brought to the Board.
As an organization, this has been a year of setting new standards in fundraising that helped save lives and advance the health and wellbeing of families across western Canada and millions more around the world through ongoing research and innovation.
We could not do this without the extraordinary support of the community around us.
That’s why the Foundation continues to strengthen our connection with the hundreds of people who have contributed their time, resources and expertise over the years to fulfill our purpose of transforming and redefining health. We are also ensuring fresh new perspectives, ideas and initiatives are coming into the organization through new programs geared towards the next generation of philanthropic leaders.
As I shift roles into Past Chair, I would like to welcome Chris Burrows, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, as our new Board Chair. I know that with his guidance, the Foundation will continue to make incredible strides toward a healthier future for all.
Cumulative distributions over the last 10 years
Funding commitments expected to be fulfilled within the next 5 years
As we look back on the 2024/25 fiscal year, we extend our sincere thanks to the many organizations and collaborators who have joined us as strategic partners. Your support fuels bold ideas, drives meaningful innovation and helps transform health for the patients we serve across Alberta and beyond. Whether you’re a long-standing partner or new to the Foundation this year—thank you for your commitment to impact. We’re proud to work with you and look forward to what we can achieve together.
Corporate partnerships play a vital role in bringing our events and initiatives to life, and we are deeply grateful to the businesses who choose to give back through partnership. Your generosity creates memorable experiences, builds stronger communities and drives real progress in health. A special thank you to Landmark Homes, our returning presenting sponsor of the Festival of Trees, and Freson Bros. returning presenting sponsor of Heart Month. Your continued support inspires us, year after year.
The University Hospital Foundation is pleased to partner with Alberta Health and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. to introduce HeartwayTM, a unique collaboration aiming to transform cardiovascular care in Alberta
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In 2012, local philanthropist and retired businessman Donald Kaye made a transformational $30-million donation to the University Hospital Foundation to fund research, innovation, and quality improvement. The impact of his generous gift has continued since his passing in 2022, and it will endure for years to come through the work of the researchers and innovators supported by his donation.
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The University Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its Hope is Here campaign, a bold initiative to raise awareness of the groundbreaking health care advancements funded through the generosity of its donors. Airing on television and radio, as well as billboards and online until mid-December 2024, this campaign showcases groundbreaking research and innovations.
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The University Hospital Foundation (the Foundation) is thrilled to announce the incredible success of its 40th annual Festival of Trees, presented by Landmark Homes, raising an outstanding $2.6 million and counting to support its mission of advancing health care and innovation. This year’s proceeds will focus on Alzheimer’s research, alongside other essential initiatives supported by the Foundation.
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“Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, Heart Month, presented by Freson Bros. raised $952,409, bringing the total funds raised for the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (Maz) and other initiatives and research projects that improve cardiac care in Alberta to an impressive $3.11 million over the last 11 months,” announced Dr. Jodi Abbott, President and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation.
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The University Hospital Foundation is excited to announce the addition of three exceptional leaders to our Board of Trustees: Peggy Garritty, Chuck Sanders and Harry Sunner.
Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, expertise and a deep commitment to advancing healthcare in our community.
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Through accreditation, we are part of a growing community of more than 200 organizations dedicated to excellence. Accredited nonprofits have completed a rigorous independent peer review of their operating and governance practices.
This designation is a testament to our commitment to our purpose – to advance excellence – in everything we do, including our daily operations and financial integrity.
The University Hospital Foundation, which resides within the University of Alberta Hospital site, is built upon lands that have been the site of natural abundance, ceremony and culture, travel and rest, relationship building, making, and trading for Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.
This is Treaty 6 Territory, within the Métis homelands and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. It is the unceded traditional territory of many First Nations such as the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot/Niitsítapi), Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Denesųłiné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney) and Anishinaabe (Saulteaux).
As settlers on these unceded lands, we are mindful and grateful for our ability to live and work in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan.