Recognizing our supporters on National Philanthropy Day
Every year, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated worldwide on November 15. We have the privilege of nominating 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:
Leslie Bangamba
In the spring of 2020, a tragic accident saw Leslie’s daughter Amélie collapse after swallowing a lithium coin battery. This defining moment was the catalyst for Leslie’s commitment to kids’ health.
A fierce Stollery advocate, Leslie has shared her story at Foundation events, through local and national media opportunities and more, inspiring Canadians from coast to coast to show their Stollery support. Since April 2020, Leslie has raised more than $15,000 in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital through both personal donations and Amélie’s annual birthday fundraiser.
Ben Stelter Foundation
The legacy of Ben’s big heart and generosity has inspired and connected our community. In his honour, the Ben Stelter Foundation supports innovative, outcome-based oncology research and has recently launched the Ben Stelter Equipment Program, which aims to reduce the financial burden for families who require specialized equipment to safely return home from the hospital.
Bellerose Composite High School
Bellerose Composite High School is being recognized for their fundraising efforts in support of oncology at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
The Bellerose Bikeathon began in 2004 with 10 teams, and over the past 20 years has grown into a school-wide event that involves the entire community. While the Bikeathon itself supports the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Kids with Cancer Society, during each Bikeathon, Bellerose hosts a head-shave event in support of the Stollery.
Bellerose has raised over $3.2 million for cancer research and treatment and more than $58,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The Dodd Family
The Dodds’ Stollery story began in 2001 when son Michael needed emergency care. Upon witnessing the extraordinary care Michael received, the Dodds were moved to support the Foundation.
Lindsay joined the Foundation board in 2014, and during his tenure he has had many roles, including Board Chair. Deb sits on the advisory committee of the Stollery Women’s Network, and Michael and Alexis have participated in many fundraising events.
In addition to their annual gifts and investing their time and expertise with the Foundation, the Dodds have also joined the Great Bear Society and plan to leave a gift to the Foundation upon their passing. They recognize the specialized care children need now and are also helping secure that care for future generations.
Norma Kennedy
Norma Kennedy is being recognized for her work as organizer of Cheryl’s Run for Aplastic Anemia. This run fundraises for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and raises awareness for Canadian Blood Services and the need to give. The event has been supporting the Stollery since 2017 and has raised more than $40,000.
For the past two years, Cheryl’s Run has supported the Awasisak Indigenous Health Program at the Stollery, a program that serves and supports Indigenous patients and their families throughout different stages of their hospital stay and beyond discharge.
Ledcor
Ledcor has been a long-time supporter of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Their organization has a very active employee-giving group, and in celebration of Ledcor’s 75th Anniversary, they generously provided the Foundation with a $100,000 donation. This anniversary gift allowed the Stollery Children’s Hospital to provide a hot Easter meal to more than 250 families.
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.