Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

On Giving Tuesday, supporters of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation stepped up in a big way for patients in need.

Donations poured in for this year’s cause, the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program. It provides immediate housing and key wrap-around supports for patients of our emergency department who would otherwise leave our hospital and return to homelessness.

The streets are not a place to heal. Our incredible community of generous donors is making a difference.

Among the Giving Tuesday displays of generosity was a sizeable gift from Diane Kyle Buchanan (pictured, left). Diane is a dedicated philanthropic donor, whose impact has been felt in many ways across the hospital. She has helped to fund a state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner, thousands of coffee gift cards for staff during the pandemic, and so much more. On Giving Tuesday, Diane’s single donation of $50,000 provided a huge boost to the total funds raised.

"For me, supporting the Royal Alex—one of Canada’s busiest hospitals—is both a responsibility and a privilege,” Diane has stated about her philanthropy. “It's my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much. Every donation feels like a step for health and compassion, and I am truly honoured to be part of the journey towards better healthcare for all Albertans."

Every dollar that was donated as part of our Giving Tuesday campaign for Bridge Healing will have double the impact, thanks to a matching gift! 

Local couple John and Ewa Burton (pictured, right), who are longtime supporters of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and previous donors to the Bridge Healing Program have generously pledged to match donations, up to $75,000. “We hope others are inspired to offer what they can, knowing their gift will go even further,” they said. “In giving back together, we can have a greater impact.”

Giving Tuesday donations will create an environment for healing, a home that no one should be without. Donors’ support will help provide culturally appropriate care for those in the Bridge Healing Program, as well as furnishings and necessities that offer comfort. Donations will also fund welcome packages to signal to patients that their lives matter and they are in a caring space from the moment they arrive.

“A sincere thank you for generously donating to the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program in support of individuals experiencing houselessness and committed to working with community supports to secure permanent housing,” expressed Janie Clink, Senior Operating Officer of the Royal Alexandra Hospital. “Early results are revealing positive impacts for some of the most vulnerable people in the Edmonton Zone. Secure housing, financial stability and reduced visits to the hospital are some of the early impacts being realized. Continued support and expansion of this innovative initiative in the Edmonton Zone will contribute to the health and well-being of many at risk individuals in our community.”

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who donated as part of this Giving Tuesday campaign.

We are thankful to Diane Kyle Buchanan for her significant gift, and to John and Ewa Burton for their matching gift that will double community impact.

There is still an opportunity to give to the Bridge Healing Program. Click on the button below to donate.

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Click here to learn more about the impact donors have had on the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program, featured in our 2023 Annual Gratitude Report.