Donor feature: From hospitality to hospital support
More than 20 years ago, when a nurse made his tiny, premature baby girl a dress for Christmas, Delta Hotel General Manager Barnie Yerxa, was inspired to make a difference in the lives of children and families like his own who were navigating a hospital stay.
Barnie’s journey into supporting children’s health care began more than two decades ago when his firstborn daughter arrived 14 weeks early. Born on December 1 at just 26 weeks in a Calgary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), her early arrival marked the beginning of a life-changing experience.
A few days before Christmas that year, Barnie arrived at the hospital to find his daughter in a Christmas dress, handmade by her NICU nurse since she was too small for store-bought clothing. Since then, he’s supported organizations like the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, making a profound difference in the lives of kids and their families.
Today, as the General Manager of two Delta Hotels in Edmonton and a proud father of three, Barnie supports the Stollery through fundraising, awareness and hospitality. From hosting Champion Children and their families at his Delta hotels, to leading community campaigns like the Miracles the Marriott Way Golf Tournament—which has raised more than $600,000 for the Stollery in the past five years — he’s committed to making a difference. His ability to connect with everyone he meets not only inspires his hotel teams to join in on fundraising efforts but also creates lasting relationships in the community. Barnie has a particular talent for building relationships with Stollery kids and their families.
He and his team also participate in Foundation events such as Teddy Bear Fun Fest and Marriott hotel initiatives like the Burger Campaign, Breakfast Campaign and Miracle Coffee Break, helping to raise both funds and spirits.
“Supporting the Stollery is more than a cause,” he says. “it’s a way to ensure that every child and family receives the care, compassion and hope they deserve.”
