Celebrating our supporters on National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is celebrated worldwide every year on November 15. We have the privilege of nominating several members of our Stollery community who have made an impact this year.
Nominees for National Philanthropy Day will be recognized at an awards reception hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton & Area Chapter.
This event is put on to acknowledge and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals, foundations, corporations, fundraising volunteers and nonprofit organizations who contribute their time, talents, financial support and other resources to our community and beyond.
This year we’re thrilled to be celebrating the following members from the Stollery community:
Bob Aaltonen
Bob Aaltonen is a passionate supporter of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. From planning corporate fundraisers to making donations and encouraging Stollery kids in their philanthropic endeavors, Bob and his hockey ambassadors help create lasting memories at the Hospital in the hearts and minds of Stollery kids and their families, as well as the Stollerific staff on the units.
The Assiff Family
The dedication of the Assiff family and the team at Assiff Law exemplifies the spirit of giving and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is honoured to celebrate and recognize their commitment to kids’ health.
Their support goes beyond financial contributions to the Hospital as they’ve fostered a legacy of philanthropy in their daughters, who have organized their own fundraisers in support of Stollery kids. The Assiff family’s commitment to the well-being of future generations is inspiring and we’re thrilled to celebrate them today.
Cohen Cup
The Cohen Cup is being recognized for their dedication and belief in the vision of giving all kids the best chance to live a long and healthy life.
What started as a small community initiative has grown into a large-scale fundraiser that remains deeply rooted in the memory of the two kids who inspired the hockey tournament, Cohen and Kamryn.
Raising more than $134,000 over the past 10 years, their incredible fundraising efforts continue to have a major impact on kids from backyards across Alberta and beyond. The Foundation is thankful for their passion, innovation and commitment to support kids’ health across Western Canada.
John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation
The John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation (JCCLF) has profoundly transformed our community, offering hope and support to those in need.
Through John’s dedication and sincere passion for helping others, the JCCLF has made a lasting impact on the lives of so many families. Since partnering with the Stollery, the JCCLF has made an extraordinary difference at the Hospital, particularly for kids and teens facing mental health challenges.
Through their support, the Stollery has been able to expand critical services, providing access to therapy and counseling, allowing the Hospital to reach more children, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
Little Genius Daycare
The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is honoured to recognize Minh Tonnu and the Little Genius Daycare for giving all kids the best chance to live a long and healthy life.
Since 2014, Little Genius Daycare staff and the looked-after children have raised more than $10,000 in support of the Stollery. The daycare kids host various fundraisers throughout the year, including hot lunches, jewelry and flower sales, family fun nights and more.
The Foundation is proud to recognize their dedication and ongoing efforts, with the money they raise supporting many initiatives that make a life-changing difference for Stollery kids and their families.
The Smitkes
The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to honour Judy and Raymond Smitke for their continued support of advancing children’s health care in Alberta.
The Smitkes are true philanthropists and have been supporters of the Stollery for more than 18 years. Their generosity continues to enhance the lives of countless children and their families by advancing equipment, programs, research and mental health support at the Hospital.
Beyond their financial commitments, they along with their family, also actively participate in many of our events, including our annual Snowflake Gala and the Stollery Day Family Classic.
The Smitkes make a difference in our community and we are truly grateful for their support.
Suggitt Publishing
Suggitt Publishing is a long-standing supporter of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. In addition to sponsoring and volunteering at the Corus Radiothon for the past 20 years, the team has also volunteered at the Hospital serving meals to patients and their families.
Rob and his team are closely connected to Stollery kids through the ‘Hospital Activity Book for Children’ – a colouring and activity book they make and publish for Stollery patients free of charge. Suggitt Publishing is incredibly generous with their time and resources and we’re honoured to recognize their commitment to kids’ health.
Barnie Yerxa
Barnie’s passion for Stollery kids goes beyond the numerous fundraising initiatives he hosts each year, including the annual Miracles the Marriott Way golf tournament, to fostering a culture of engagement and volunteerism with his staff — encouraging them to support the Foundation’s annual Teddy Bear Fun Fest.
As Marriott International’s national ambassador for philanthropy, Barnie has been instrumental in raising more than $1,000,000 in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, while also championing the importance of children’s health across the country.
Barnie’s dedication and leadership continues to have a major impact in our Stollery community and we are grateful for his unwavering support.
Congratulations to the nominees and thank you for your incredible contributions to our community. Your generosity and passion are making a difference for Stollery kids in backyards in Alberta and beyond.
