Bruce and Edna Moffat gave the gift of improved care closer to home through a generous $2.9 million donation to support their Lethbridge community.
By Olivia Piché
In July 2024, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation received its largest legacy donation. Edna and Bruce Moffat left a bequest of $2.9 million to the foundation after their passing in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with the hope of improving the lives of those in their Lethbridge community.
“Bruce very much wanted his estate to remain local in Lethbridge, guaranteeing that the money would be used here and benefit the people here,” says Crystal Elliott, CEO of the Lethbridge-based Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
Two million dollars have gone towards purchasing a new linear accelerator (linac). The new linac, which delivers radiation therapy, scales up advanced technology and optimal performance at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre. Purchased in partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the linac offers the latest in radiation treatment, providing those in Lethbridge and the surrounding area with more opportunities to receive advanced care within their community. It is one of only two linacs in southern Alberta.
“People are going to receive better technology closer to home, so they don’t have to travel, and their loved ones don’t have to travel. That’s an incredible service to Lethbridge and area residents and their families,” says Elliott.
A lifetime of giving.
The Moffats’ legacy donation was remarkable, but it was not their first time giving back. The couple were lifetime donors and had been donating to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation for 35 years prior to their passing. Although neither was ever diagnosed with cancer, the couple supported cancer care for over a decade, believing that it could improve lives — their mission was always to build a stronger community. And with the new linac machine that is expected to be fully operational in 2026, the Moffats have helped do just that.
“This humble family saved throughout their lifetime,” says Elliott. “People can make a difference; every dollar makes a difference. It doesn’t matter the amount. It’s really about that heartfelt generosity to build a stronger, healthier community, one act of kindness at a time.”
Recognizing generosity.
In May 2025, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation named the waiting room in the radiation department the Bruce and Edna Moffat Wellness Lounge in honour of the couple and their generous gift. The lounge is a space where patients and their loved ones can comfortably rest and reflect during treatment. Elliott says it’s fitting that the space is in the radiation department near the linac they helped fund.
Just outside the wellness lounge, multitudes of ribbons hang from a tree on the wall, symbolizing hope and healing. Patients can hang a ribbon on the Ribbon Tree when they complete their radiation treatments.
“It was a beautiful fit to be able to have people lay a tribute, as well as having Bruce and Edna’s names there,” says Elliott. “We wanted it to be a healing space and recognize that people aren’t always there for good news. So we wanted it to be comfortable, warm and welcoming.”
Together, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and Alberta Cancer Foundation, along with their collective donors, continue to positively impact the lives of those touched by cancer with innovative treatments and comforting spaces.
“We’re honoured to be in partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation,” says Elliott. “It’s important for people to recognize that local foundations work in partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation and that we all want what’s best for the patient, and that’s improved patient care.”
