National Philanthropy Day 2023
Each year on November 15, the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) celebrates National Philanthropy Day alongside inspiring members of the philanthropic community. This is our opportunity to recognize some of our generous supporters and the powerful impact their philanthropy and volunteerism has had.Â
This year, the UHF was proud to nominate five supporters to receive a National Philanthropy Day award from the Edmonton chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. From individual donors and third-party fundraiser organizers, to corporate partners and business owners – these supporters have shown philanthropic leadership through their charitable contributions to the UHF, benefitting health and health care through the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) site and across our community. Â
On behalf of the UHF and our community, congratulations to our 2023 recipients of the National Philanthropy Day award. Â
Cathy Roozen
Cathy Roozen has been a generous supporter to the UHF for more than 35 years, supporting nearly every area of care at the UAH site. Her gifts have impacted patient care for strokes, prostate and urology, and research for Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and cancer. Â
“I support the University Hospital Foundation as they strive for excellence in patient care, support of translational research and attracting the best and brightest talent to our healthcare system,” says Roozen. Cathy’s philanthropic passion and generosity continue to help us transform and redefine health care. Â
Neil MacPherson and Boston Pizza
Neil MacPherson, Boston Pizza Franchisee, and his family are generous supporters of the UHF who love to give back to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (Maz). 30 years ago, Neil and his family started the famous Boston Pizza paper hearts. To celebrate the 30th anniversary this year, they encouraged over 60 Boston Pizza franchise owners across Alberta to support the Maz through their Paper Heart Fundraiser. Â
“The University Hospital Foundation has been a huge part of my family since the day I was born. Everyone in my immediate family has had life-saving measures (performed by the Maz) to save our lives,” says MacPherson. Neil’s dedication and passion have made tremendous impact on not only several communities, but also patients and healthcare teams at the Maz. Â
Ed and Irene Hawryluk
The Hawryluk’s have been supporting the UHF since 2017, supporting several areas of care at the (UAH) site, including cardiac and neurology. Â
The Hawryluk’s have made incredible impact in a short period of time, becoming visionary donors who want to give back to the hospital that gave them life-saving care. Â
“I was shocked to find that my planned wedding day was spent in intensive care at the University of Alberta Hospital back in 1969,” says Ed. “Since that time, I have appreciated the advances that have come about in the medical area due to extensive research.” Ed and Irene have since become dedicated supporters of the ground–breaking Alzheimer’s Disease research being conducted at the UAH. Â
“The University Hospital Foundation has been a huge part of my family since the day I was born. Everyone in my immediate family has had life-saving measures (performed by the Maz) to save our lives,” says MacPherson. Neil’s dedication and passion have made tremendous impact on not only several communities, but also patients and healthcare teams at the Maz. Â
Donald Hunter
Don is a dedicated supporter of the UHF through both generous gifts and passionate volunteering. An advocate for the importance of research, Don has put his heart into raising funds to support the advancement of Alzheimer’s Disease research – including sending hundreds of letters to members of his community who have a connection to someone affected by the disease. Â
“My daughter and I are donating and volunteering our time to help raise much needed funds to support the clinical team of dedicated researchers at the University of Alberta Hospital,” says Hunter. “We know far too many people who have a connection with someone affected by this horrible disease.” Don hopes to inspire people to contribute to the advancement of critical research that will impact the lives of Albertans and people around the world. Â
William and Mary Rachwalski
William and Mary decided to give a generous gift to the UHF to show gratitude for the life-saving care William received in 2017. At 83 years old, William received news he needed a triple bypass surgery. Thanks to world-class cardiac teams at the MAZ, William received the care he needed to survive. The Rachwalski family made a donation for the purchase of a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that helped save William’s life.Â
“It was a simple decision to pay it forward, to assist the thousands of people who will encounter similar situations,” says William and Mary’s daughter, Donna. “To have a facility such as the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in our own city, with leading-edge technology, really is life changing.” Thanks to this impactful gift, people like William can continue to receive world-class cardiac care. Â