Dairy farmers are making this season brighter for young patients and their families.
Alberta Milk has started its holiday season campaign, matching up to $100,000 in donations to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Alberta Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children. The sickest and most seriously injured kids count on the hospital for specialized care they often cannot receive elsewhere.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Alberta Children’s Hospital requires funding to tend to the tens of thousands of sick and injured kids in Alberta in need of its specialized services.
Last year, more than 100,000 patients visited the hospital, including more than 75,000 visits to the emergency department and more than 10,000 surgical operations. The foundation raises money for the hospital and Child Health & Wellness Research at the University of Calgary.
Running until Dec. 31, the campaign is part of Alberta Milk’s annual partnership with the hospital foundation. The facility hits close to home for one of Alberta Milk’s dairy farmers from Fort Macleod.
Crystal Olive has seen firsthand the difference children’s health care can make. Her son, Alex, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease when he was 18 months old and has received ongoing care ever since.
“For the last decade, Alex has been supported by an amazing team of specialists at the Alberta Children’s Hospital,” said Olive in an Alberta Milk press release.
“Alex’s care has truly filled me with gratitude and commitment to give back. When you’ve lived it, you really understand it, and everyone knows someone whose family has needed that kind of care.”
She added that resilience and compassion are values shared across Alberta’s dairy community.
“Farming teaches you what it means to pull together, whether you’re facing a tough calving season or caring for a sick child,” said Olive.
“Alberta’s dairy farmers are joining forces with the hospital foundation to help other families get the same incredible care we’ve been fortunate to receive. That’s what being good neighbours looks like; one family helping another.”
The campaign supports some of the hospital’s highest priority needs, from prevention and community-based care to specialized treatments, therapeutic programs and life-changing research.
“This campaign celebrates the caring spirit of Alberta’s dairy farmers, who are community leaders giving back to the same families who trust them to nourish their tables year-round,” said Reuben Joosse, general manager of Alberta Milk.
For more information, visit Alberta Milk.
