Our Hospital, Our StoriesCelebrating Generosity: Honouring Visionary Leaders on National Philanthropy Day
Posted on: Nov 21, 2024Advancing our healthcare system requires the collective generosity of a dedicated community. Each day, donors demonstrate their unwavering support for the Royal Alexandra Hospital and its centres of excellence.
National Philanthropy Day, celebrated each year on November 15th, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary individuals who shape our community through their generosity. Every gift creates meaningful change, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all who contribute, empowering us to advance our mission and transform lives.
For 2024, our foundation was proud to nominate four award recipients, each responsible for changing the healthcare landscape for Albertans in their own ways. Our honourees—the Lois Hole Hospital Women’s Society, Ewa and John Burton, Cam and Dawn Allard, and the O’Connell Family Foundation—were celebrated at the National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton & Area Chapter, alongside fellow honourees, local charities, and some of our community’s most passionate advocates.
Please join us in celebrating these special people, and all national Philanthropy Day award recipients!
Lois Hole Hospital Women’s Society
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Since its inception, the Lois Hole Hospital Women's Society has become a powerful catalyst for advancing women’s health at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. The Society has built a thriving community of supporters committed to transforming women’s healthcare, earning them recognition as one of our award recipients. Through collective efforts, they have raised over $1 million, funding innovative models of care, advanced research, and specialized programs and services for women of all ages and stages. Together, this passionate group is shaping a future where women's health remains a priority and knowledge, treatment, and care continues to evolve for generations to come. |
Ewa and John Burton
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John and Ewa Burton have been steadfast advocates for the Bridge Healing Program, demonstrating a profound dedication to bridging gaps in care for individuals discharged from the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department into houselessness. Their generosity has played a vital role in ensuring safe housing and community support for those in need, providing a secure environment for recovery. |
Through their steadfast support, countless individuals have found stability and hope during critical times of their lives.
Cam and Dawn Allard
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For over 20 years, Cam and Dawn Allard (pictured left) have been steadfast advocates for the Royal Alexandra Hospital, driving advancements in women’s and cardiac health—making them a natural choice for this award. Their unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare is exemplified through their generous endowment, driving groundbreaking research in urogynecology and advancing world-class care at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Recently, their passion for healthcare expanded to cardiac care with the establishment of a new endowment fund supporting the CK Hui Heart Centre. Cam and Dawn’s unwavering dedication to innovation has expanded the possibilities of healthcare at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, enabling advancements beyond what was once imagined. Their continued support drives progress and reflects their vision of improving healthcare for all Albertans. |
The O'Connell Family
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The O'Connell Family Foundation is another recipient of the award and has played a pivotal role in supporting the Royal Alexandra Hospital by funding next-generation technologies. Recognizing the vital role of equipment like the C-Arm, which delivers real-time X-ray imaging to help surgeons navigate complex procedures with precision, their generous contributions directly enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. |
Their impact extends beyond their own generosity, as they inspire their community to join their mission, raising additional funds required to bring advanced medical equipment to the Royal Alexandra Hospital. The O’Connell Family’s visionary leadership and commitment to lasting change have transformed the hospital’s capacity to deliver precise, cutting-edge care. The C-Arm now stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective dedication, ensuring the continued evolution of healthcare in Alberta.
The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to our incredible community of supporters, whose generosity and commitment help improve health and healthcare for our community.
We also proudly celebrate and congratulate all the National Philanthropy Day Award nominees for their inspiring contributions to making a difference.
