Edmonton, AB – June 22, 2021 – The University Hospital Foundation (UHF) is thrilled to announce that its flagship fundraising event, the Festival of Trees, one of Edmonton’s most cherished holiday traditions, is returning to a live, in-person event running December 2-5, 2021, at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
“We are excited to welcome back the community to our Festival of Trees this December,” said Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation. “Although moving to a virtual event last year was the right decision, and we saw our community members step up and continue to support us, we know that it was not the same as celebrating the holidays together in person. We are ready to come back safely, and be better than ever.”
This year’s event theme “Share the Joy” is sure to dazzle as the UHF welcomes the entire community to come back together to celebrate the holidays with the traditions and cultures that make our community strong and vibrant.
“’Share the Joy’ is about community, inclusiveness and celebration,” said Dr. Abbott. “It’s about bringing the people and cultures of Edmonton and surrounding areas together to make new friends, laugh and play, and advance care for those who need our help to live healthier lives.”
Funds raised at the 2021 Festival of Trees will support the expansion of West Edmonton Kidney Care, a University of Alberta Hospital community facility. It is Alberta Kidney Care –North’s (AKC-N) first community dialysis facility. The expansion will add a Home Therapy Clinic, creating a comprehensive, community-based renal centre here in Edmonton.
The prevalence of severe kidney disease is on the rise in Alberta – a disturbing trend that is showing no signs of slowing down. AKC-N is focused on meeting the challenges of future demand, but it won’t get there on its own.
“Kidney disease is a very cruel condition that upends a person’s life in literally every way possible,” said Dr. Abbott. “We want to change that.”
Since 1985, the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees has served as one of the Edmonton area’s largest holiday celebrations. This kick-off to the festive season will bring the community together to celebrate safely, following all health recommendations, and will feature three special events in addition to four public event days – the Gala Evening & Auction, Santa’s Breakfast and the Silver Bell Soiree – all to raise money to support healthcare for Albertans.
Festival of Trees is made possible because of the passion and support of dedicated volunteers and sponsors. Each year over 2,000 volunteers contribute their time, including dozens of committee members who work all year long, to make sure tens of thousands of people are able to enjoy the magic of the Festival of Trees.
Over its more than 35 year history, the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees has raised over $22 million for the University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and Kaye Edmonton Clinic. Past support has had a major impact on every area of healthcare provided at the University of Alberta Hospital site, including funding 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 the 2021 Festival of Trees will go on sale in September 2021.
For event updates visit festivaloftrees.ca.
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