University Hospital Foundation

10/16/2026

🎄 Your vote could help make the holidays a little brighter for kids in our community.

Santa’s Little Guests helps make the magic of Festival of Trees accessible to children who may otherwise face barriers to taking part. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Santa Claus and his merry elf will visit up to 10 schools in Edmonton.

Santa’s Little Guests has qualified for the voting phase of the 2026 Field Law Community Fund Program, and should it be successful, Field Law would sponsor the Santa's Little Guests experience at two schools.

Voting is open until Nov. 20, and you can vote once per device, per day. That means your support can add up!

Vote for Santa’s Little Guests: https://buff.ly/0Y8uCTE

10/16/2026

It takes a community to bring the magic of Festival of Trees to life. 🎄✨

We’re looking for volunteers to join us for the 2026 University Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees, presented by Landmark Homes.

Whether you’re helping transform the space during set-up, welcoming guests at one of the events, or taking down the trees at the end of the weekend, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Volunteer opportunities are available Nov. 23 to 30, with a variety of roles and shifts. Come on your own, bring a friend or get a group of colleagues together and make it a team experience.

Along the way, you’ll meet new people, get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Edmonton’s favourite holiday traditions and help support a healthier future for Albertans.

🎄 Ready to join us? Apply to volunteer: https://buff.ly/kaTUf4K

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them or share this post!

10/11/2026

09/19/2026

A cure for diabetes will take more than scientific breakthroughs. It will take bold ideas, strategic investment and collaboration.

Join Dr. Jodi Abbott, President & CEO University Hospital Foundation, Melanie Hibbard, Executive Director DRIFCan, and Dr. Christian Shuetz Senior Research Associate at the University of Alberta, for a Life Sciences Week panel hosted by the University Hospital Foundation. Together, they’ll explore how philanthropy, research, industry and investment can work together to accelerate the future of diabetes care and bring promising discoveries closer to patients.

Edmonton has a history of changing the future of diabetes care. What's next?

📅 Sept. 22 at 2 p.m.
📍 Edmonton Unlimited
Link to register: https://buff.ly/Sis5wZx

09/18/2026

We're honoured to receive BioAlberta's 2026 Vista Award.

This recognition reflects the power of collaboration and the incredible work happening across Alberta's health innovation community. From donors and researchers to health-care teams, industry partners and community leaders, this award belongs to everyone working together to advance new ideas, accelerate discovery and improve care.

Thank you for helping create a healthier future for patients and families across Alberta.

Read the full release: https://buff.ly/gyRHGjD

09/04/2026

We're celebrating our partners at Freson Bros., recently honoured with a 2026 Canadian Grocer Impact Award in the Community category.

For the fourth consecutive year, Freson Bros. has been the presenting sponsor of Heart Month, bringing their Wish for the Heart campaign to all 16 of its Alberta locations. Shoppers were invited to donate $1 and write messages of hope or tribute on a paper heart, filling store walls with thousands of personal messages of support.

Funds raised during the University Hospital Foundation's Heart Month support advanced cardiac technology, research and patient care at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, part of the University of Alberta Hospital. Thank you to Freson Bros. and every customer who took part in helping Albertans access world-class cardiac care.

Congratulations on this well deserved recognition!

09/03/2026

The conversations started last year are turning into action.

Health Data Connect, hosted by the University Hospital Foundation and Alberta Innovates, returns for its second year, bringing together the people and ideas shaping the future of health care through data, AI and innovation.

Join us Oct. 14 in Edmonton and discover how data is being translated into better care, stronger systems and real-world impact.

📍 Royal Glenora Club, Edmonton
📅 Oct. 14, 2026
🎟️ Save $50 with early bird pricing before Sept. 8.

Get your tickets now: https://buff.ly/KX2QMS5

08/14/2026

Our friend and advocate Brad lived like few others could. Born with a congenital heart defect and never expected to survive, he did much more than that. Given three months to live at 52, he was fitted with a VAD (a Ventricular Assist Device, commonly known as an artificial heart) at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and went on to enjoy seven and a half more years with characteristic humour, resilience, and big, big love.

Brad passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, but his spirit and love for life live on in everyone he touched. He spent his extra years sharing his story and mentoring others facing the same path, helping to build one of the largest VAD programs in Canada.

Brad's goal was to raise $1 million for the Maz, and we welcome donations in his honour. Your gift through the link below will go directly toward the VAD program at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

Brad, we will miss your smile, your friendship, your culinary skills and your championing of countless causes supporting heart health. We send all our love to Leanne and family.

https://fundrazr.com/bradsjourney.uhf?ref=ab_3FKPjnuax433FKPjnuax43

08/09/2026

Has a member of your health-care team made a difference in your life? Through Champions of Care, you can recognize the people who went above and beyond. Today, we’re proud to celebrate the Surgery and Plastics Unit.

You can recognize the people who have cared for you or your loved one through a gift to Champions of Care, learn more: https://buff.ly/LH0B7zk

08/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for its latest gift of $26,900 in support of pediatric cardiac care.

This funding will help enhance the care of children living with severe heart conditions by supporting specialized equipment and technologies that assist health-care teams in monitoring and treating patients while improving the experience of children and their families throughout treatment.

We are also proud to celebrate the Sandra Schmirler Foundation's incredible legacy of generosity. With cumulative giving of $150,000, their support has helped make a lasting difference for children and families when they need it most.