Edmonton, AB – January 27, 2022 – Thanks to the incredible generosity of corporate sponsors, donors and festivalgoers, the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) reached its goal to raise $1 million to improve the quality of life of Albertans living with end-stage kidney disease. Qualico Homes also contributed $750,000 – a generous gift that helped UHF surpass its 2021 fundraising goal and offer critical support to West Edmonton Kidney Care.

“We created a hybrid event that would allow families to share the joy of the season safely, and we are so touched that Albertans pivoted right alongside us,” said Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation.

“Whether you chose to enjoy the Festival of Trees in-person and outdoors, online, or with an activity that arrived by mail, thank you for your unwavering support.” – Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President and CEO of the University Hospital Foundation.

Presented by Landmark Homes, the UHF’s flagship fundraiser will help West Edmonton Kidney Care offer more Albertans home hemodialysis, which prevents them from having to undergo treatment in hospital or at a community facility several hours each week.

“Our patients and staff are immensely grateful for the support we received from the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees,” said Dr. Kailash Jindal, Medical Director, Alberta Kidney Care – North. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of Festival volunteers and the generosity of our community, people living with end-stage kidney disease will soon have access to expanded care and training for home therapies.”

The 2021 Festival of Trees offered thousands of Albertans numerous ways to celebrate the season including a Santa’s Breakfast in private, heated domes at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden; a curated Festival in a Box with treats and activities; the Santa’s Little Guests program, which visited 10 local schools with stories and treats; a Decorated and Delivered festival tree or decoration; Gifts of Gratitude for healthcare workers; and an online auction and 50/50 Draw.

Held November 2 to December 23, the event was made possible with the support of our dedicated volunteers, along with numerous sponsors including Canadian Tire; Cantiro Homes; Cameron Development Corporation; and many other supportive corporate sponsors.

“We know the last two holiday seasons have been challenging for our community and Albertans still chose to celebrate for this cause,” said Dr. Abbott. “We don’t know what the 2022 holiday season will look like, but together we can approach it with the same spirit of compassion and hope our community showed us during Festival of Trees.”