Across Alberta, community-led events are turning generosity into meaningful support for cancer care.
2025 marked another extraordinary year of community-led fundraising. Across the province, thousands of people organized and participated in events inspired by a shared commitment to supporting Albertans facing cancer and their families.
That collective spirit came to life through more than 90 community events held in over 15 communities across Alberta. Nearly $1.4 million was raised in support of cancer care, research and patient programs.
When communities rally around family, friends and neighbours, they send a powerful message: no one faces cancer alone. When donor generosity turns into action, we create more moments, more memories and hope for a future without cancer.
The Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group hosted its 12th annual golf tournament in memory of Colleen Tomchuk, raising $45,000 this year and reaching a total of $300,000 over 12 tournaments. A portion of sales from Colleen’s Amber Ale also continues to support ovarian cancer research through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The Défi Canderel Challenge brought its nationwide campaign to Alberta through two events in 2025: the Big Dill Pickleball Tournament in Edmonton and the Superhero Dash in Calgary, where families and costumed heroes raced to give Albertans facing cancer more time.
GEDfest events, held across Canada to celebrate the life and legacy of Gordon Edgar Downie and the music of The Tragically Hip, continue to make a powerful impact. As the largest annual fundraiser in Downie’s memory, GEDfest has raised more than $800,000 for cancer charities across Canada. The largest event, hosted in Calgary, raised $134,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation last year.
In Calgary, The Patrol Foundation hosted its second annual Cold Patrol 10K Run in November, drawing just over 700 participants. Focused on engaging young philanthropists through fun, community-driven fundraising, the Foundation also hosted a second sold-out Moustache Bash gala. Together, both events raised approximately $126,000 to support Albertans facing cancer.
For 23 years, the St. Albert community has rallied behind students and staff at Bellerose Composite High School through the highly anticipated Bellerose Bikeathon. Each year, student teams cycle on stationary bikes for two days straight. Since 2004, the school has raised more than $4 million for cancer support.
In Edmonton, the Maple Leaf Athletic Club raised more than $41,000 through its annual Pink Games. Since 2014, MLAC teams have dedicated one regular-season game to Hockey Fights Cancer, mobilizing more than 500 players, coaches and families to fundraise together.
