Meet the Match: Alberta Milk

This is Alberta Milk’s second year supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation – from the Stollery Superstars Party to Meet the Match – and Alberta’s dairy farmers are proud to support the Stollery to ensure every child receives the best care possible.

Alberta Milk is a not-for-profit organization that represents Alberta’s dairy farmers. This includes marketing, nutrition, education, transportation, policy development and implementation. By supporting a strong, healthy dairy industry, they can help support a strong, healthy province.

We asked them why it’s important to their organization to support the Foundation and Stollery Children’s Hospital:

Dairy farming is a way of life rooted in responsibility, consistency and community.

That’s why our partnership with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation means so much to us. As farmers, we understand the importance of supporting strong, healthy communities. Through initiatives like Meet the Match, we’re proud to help raise funds that support the exceptional care the Stollery provides to children and families across Alberta.

— Jason Rietveld, Board member and dairy farmer

We connected with Jason, who has his own Stollery story:

My son Tyson was born with spina bifida and immediately brought to the Stollery after his birth.  Once he got to the Hospital, he underwent surgery to repair the lesion. After nine days in the Stollery, we got to bring Tyson home just before Christmas. The care at the Stollery was second-to-none, and the staff were always friendly and updated us all the time.

The Stollery helped start Tyson’s life off in a positive manner, and I am proud to say he now farms with us on our family’s dairy operation. Most recently, he attended the Young Producer Forum at our Alberta Milk Annual General Meeting, hoping to be an active dairy farmer in our industry.

When we left the Stollery more than 20 years ago, I said, “Thank you to everyone for what you have done, but, honestly, I hope we don’t have to see you again,” and they responded, “Of course we understand that, but we’re here if you do need us!”

Fortunately, Tyson never needed care at the Stollery again and lives an awesome life that started at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

We have two children from our farm family who needed the Stollery within five years of each other. My niece Emily, who was born in 2004, also spent four days in the Stollery. Emily came out healed because of the excellent care, time and patience of all at the Stollery.

Both ended in great success and ensured our continuing support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation for years to come.

What has been the most impactful part about supporting the Stollery?

For my family, this partnership carries real meaning, I’m sure you understand that after reading my personal connections above. Like many Albertan families, we’ve turned to the Stollery during challenging times with our child, and we saw firsthand the compassion and expertise that make it such an exceptional place. It’s something you will never forget, and I hold it especially close to my heart.

Being part of Meet the Match gives us a chance to give back to a hospital that played such an important role in our lives. Knowing that our support helps advance life-saving programs, equipment, training and research that directly benefit children and families – including families like mine – has been incredibly impactful.

What would you say to someone who is considering supporting the Foundation?

I’d encourage them to think about the impact their support can have on families right here in Alberta. As farmers, we understand the value of working hard today to create something better for tomorrow and supporting the Stollery is very much the same.  We as farmers believe in community and as such you must support the programs that support your community.

The Stollery provides exceptional care to so many children each year, and when you’re a parent whose child needs that care like my son, Tyson, or my niece, Emily, you quickly realize how important that support is. Your contribution truly helps make sure kids receive the best possible treatment right when they need it.

And on Alberta Milk’s Meet the Match day, your gift goes even further, helping the Stollery continue its life-changing work. It’s an incredible opportunity to help strengthen the future for Alberta’s children and the role they will play in our community!

Thank you, Alberta Milk, for being a sponsor for this year’s Meet the Match and all you do for Stollery kids!

On December 3, 2025, Alberta Milk is matching donations up to a total of $10,000.