Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

Under clear skies and a collective spirit of generosity, golfers gathered for the inaugural Links for Life Golf Invitational, hosted by Qualico, to raise vital funds for an inspiring cause—the Bridge Healing Program. This exceptional event raised an incredible $180,000, which will support a program that is transforming lives across Edmonton. 

Qualico’s Links for Life Golf Invitational was a day filled with energy and enthusiasm, but above all, it was a demonstration of community commitment.

"At Qualico, we believe that building stronger communities means more than creating homes; it means creating hope and pathways to better health for our most vulnerable neighbours,” says Brad Armstrong, Qualico Vice-President of Community Development, “Programs like Bridge Healing bring about the kind of change that transforms lives and renews futures, breaking the cycle of houselessness. Our community partnerships allow us to give back in ways that align with our core values, and we are honoured to stand with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and Jasper Place Wellness Centre in supporting this life-saving initiative." 

The Bridge Healing Campaign, launched in 2023 by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation in collaboration with Alberta Health Services and Jasper Place Wellness Centre, directly addresses the pressing issue of houselessness, especially among those discharged from emergency rooms with no safe place to go. The program’s approach is both compassionate and practical, offering transitional housing and intensive daily support to help individuals pursue personal goals—whether that’s securing identification, finding employment, or achieving long-term housing stability. For individuals in need, Bridge Healing is a lifeline, enabling them to rebuild and chart a path toward a better future. 

The importance of this work was underscored recently in an editorial by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, which highlights the health crisis of houselessness in Canada. Studies reveal that the unhoused experience compounded health risks, accelerated aging, and higher rates of hospital admissions and readmissions due to the lack of stable, safe housing. The Bridge Healing program seeks to bridge these gaps by offering safe accommodation and crucial community support, reducing the strain on our health system and providing a crucial step in breaking the cycle of homelessness and poor health. 

The support garnered through this tournament goes beyond a single event. It serves as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing systemic issues, providing not just resources, but hope, and underscoring the potential for meaningful change. Together with Qualico and other committed partners, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation is proud to be part of this journey toward healing and renewal, and we look forward to the continuation of this impactful partnership in the years to come. 

As we look ahead, the success of Links for Life is a reminder that when communities come together with a shared purpose, transformative change becomes possible. Please join us in once again thanking Qualico for their incredible support of the Bridge Healing program and people who need it most. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Qualico’s Links for Life Golf Invitational and how to support or become a sponsor. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Bridge Healing program and how you can help support today.