June 6, 2025
“One amazing thing about the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is there are so many ways to support the Stollery,” says Karen Faulkner, President and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Supplied.
Story by Deanna Dament
June is Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for healthcare across the province.
The Faces of Foundations profile series introduces you to leaders in healthcare philanthropy across Alberta. This week, we’re pleased to profile Karen Faulkner, President and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Why did you become involved with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation?
“It’s an incredible opportunity to give back to the community. Everybody can relate to what the Stollery offers. Whether or not you have children, you know kids. You have neighbours, nieces, nephews, friends with kids, and of course, you’ve been a kid. It’s easy to be passionate about the work of the Stollery.”
Why is health philanthropy important to you?
“Health is everything. It comes first before anything else and, as a parent when it comes to your children, the absolute most critical thing is your children’s health. Nothing is right in the world if your child is going through something health-wise. We live in this great province, and we need to make sure we have the best care possible for our kids and their families. That is what drives all of us at the Foundation — how do we ensure families don’t have to travel outside the province for care and have access to the very best specialists? And we have some of the world’s best at the Stollery.”
What does being a leader in healthcare philanthropy mean to you?
“Being a leader is about having a vision and inspiring people to join. What’s really special is when we partner with other organizations, our impact can be bigger together. There are so many amazing causes that support children’s health. The Stollery focuses on the medical side and innovation, but other organizations also focus on the family and child experience. There is so much work to be done, and if we can partner together there’s a role for all of us. Whether we’re partnering with the University of Alberta, Kids with Cancer or Ronald McDonald House, this is when the real opportunities happen — and it is one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of the job.”
What recent Foundation accomplishments make you most proud?
"The support that our donors have given through the Foundation to mental health services within the Stollery. It wasn’t that long ago when the focus was primarily on the physical health of the child. We were hearing from donors that kids were struggling and access to care was difficult. So, we stepped back and looked at what was to our advantage, and we have an Emergency Department which is a natural intake. We set a goal to raise $6.5M over five years and we raised it. We worked with our AHS partners to develop a 24/7 clinic. Children come into the emergency with their parents and are triaged. It is determined whether they need immediate help, more specialized care, to be admitted and stay overnight or referred to other community services. Wrap-around healthcare is the goal of ensuring the right care is happening at the right place at the right time. We found our fit and our donors are super happy with what’s been accomplished so far."
What initiatives are coming up for the Foundation?
“The most exciting thing ahead for us is the building of a new Stollery. The space doesn’t match the talent at the Stollery’s main site at the Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre. Both the adult and kid parts of the hospital have long been out of space. The Foundation and community have been advocating for a new Stollery for over a decade, and now it’s closer to reality. Functional planning is beginning soon, and the Foundation is preparing a campaign for a stand-alone, purpose-built children’s hospital. It is something the entire community can get behind, and it will be a game-changer for children’s health. The Foundation’s hope is in eight years the doors will open, and kids will have their own space separate from adults.
What is the best way for Albertans to support the Foundation?
“One amazing thing about the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is there are so many ways to support the Stollery. Kids will set up lemonade stands or donate their birthday money. We have a lot of community-based fundraisers. Additionally, supporters can become monthly donors or attend events like the Teddy Bear Fun Fest. Our success is because of the collaboration of all donors of all types.
“The Stollery would not be what it is today without community support, and the Foundation offers its profound gratitude on behalf of all Stollery families and medical teams to our supporters.
"There are many ways to support the Foundation, such as volunteering and being involved in our events.
Visit the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation for more information.
