May 6, 2019
Dawne Bourassa, a longtime employee of Alberta Health Services, is making a big difference in children’s healthcare through her support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Written by Amelia Schofield
CALGARY — For Dawne Bourassa, giving in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is her way of saying ‘thank you’ to the patients and healthcare providers she sees every day at work.
An Alberta Health Services (AHS) employee for more than 30 years, she decided to sign up as a monthly donor through payroll deduction during the 16th annual Country 105 Caring for Kids Radiothon this past February.
“I thought this year I should do something. I’ve been around so long and felt it was just the right time to do it,” she says. “I love the Alberta Children’s Hospital. I work with so many wonderful people. I appreciate the work they do. For me, it’s a happy thing to do. So I thought this year, I should sign up.”
Over the three-day Radiothon which takes place every February, hospital employees like Bourassa make many generous donations to the Foundation. This year, staff and physicians contributed nearly $33,000 to the event fundraising total — all in support of state-of-the-art equipment, ground-breaking research and family-centred programs at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Bourassa adds that supporting the Foundation is a great way to make a direct impact on patients and families at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“It definitely makes a difference for patients and families,” she says. “They’re very grateful and it just makes you feel good. Every little bit helps.”
Many of AHS’ philanthropic partners, like the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, have the ability to sign up employees for donations through payroll deduction.
“It’s super simple. You can account for it every time, you know it’s coming out each pay and that it goes to a good cause,” adds Bourassa.
If you’re an employee who’s interested in supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Bourassa suggests you reach out to them.
“Talk to the Foundation. They’re always open to donations. It’s easy to do. You can have it taken right off your paycheque,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if what you give is large or small, it’s the thought that counts — and you know it does go to a good cause.”
Find out more about the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and how you can show your support.
AHS recognizes May as Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the physicians and staff who generously support our foundation partners across Alberta. See how you can make a difference at ahs.ca/give.
