Edmonton, AB – February 2, 2023 

In a staggering show of support from the community, the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees, presented by Landmark Homes, raised $2.07 million towards creating a new, state-of-the-art Neurological Rehabilitation Innovation Centre.  

“We took a risk by taking a bold new direction in our fundraising and friend-raising efforts this year. Our generous donors brought us more than 95 per cent of the way to our goal, all by celebrating the season and making a difference in the lives of every patient who comes to the University of Alberta hospital for neurological rehabilitation.” said Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, President & CEO of the University Hospital Foundation (UHF).  

The Neurological Rehabilitation Innovation Centre will provide patients with convenient, early access to innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technology, getting patients the care they need when it is most critical. Led by University of Alberta Hospital physiatrist Dr. Chester Ho, the new centre will also serve as an advanced research hub for neurologic centres across North America.  

“I am so grateful to everyone who gave so generously to the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees. Because of you, we have taken a giant step closer to bringing a world class neuro rehabilitation centre to the University of Alberta Hospital.” Said Dr. Chester Ho.  

Presented by Landmark Homes, the 2023 Festival of Trees was a year of trying new things, from taking a more inclusive approach to festival offerings and entertainment, to kicking the festival off with the wildly successful Festival in the Garden in August. Albertans enjoyed the long-awaited return of the UHF’s Gala & Auction, sponsored by SUiL Management, Kim & Don Wheaton and the Shelley & Guy Scott Family Foundation; the Silver Bell Soiree presented by Cantiro; Santa’s Little Guests program, presented by Cameron Corporation, which had Santa visiting 10 schools of greatest need throughout Edmonton; Santa’s Breakfast, presented by Volvo Edmonton, which offered fun for the whole family in private, heated dining domes at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, the 50/50 Draw and Decorate and Deliver program, both presented by Canadian Tire, and more.  

University Hospital Foundation 

Over the last nearly 40 years, 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 and 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