Raising Money and Awareness for Cancer Care: A Community-Driven Effort
Raising money and awareness for cancer care is a mission that many communities rally around. At the heart of this effort in Canada is the AGAT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AGAT Laboratories. For 45 years, AGAT Laboratories has delivered analytical testing and data-driven solutions across diverse sectors, from environmental consulting to life sciences. Since its inception in 2018, the AGAT Foundation has formalized an already active culture of community support, expanding how organizations and individuals can collaborate to make a meaningful impact.
A Foundation Built on Community and Collaboration
“When we created the foundation in 2018, it was about formalizing the community support that’s always been part of our DNA,” notes Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories and director of the AGAT Foundation. “We wanted to go further, not just with our own giving, but by bringing others to the table too.” This philosophy guides the Foundation’s approach to philanthropy: leverage science, innovation, and technology to address real-world challenges faced by communities.
Major Fundraising in Action: The Priddis Greens Charity Classic
One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives is its partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The annual AGAT Foundation Priddis Greens Charity Classic brings together volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters to fund cancer research and care. Held every August, the event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a focal point for awareness and community engagement surrounding cancer care.
In 2024, the tournament raised an impressive $897,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program. This boost increased the program’s annual budget from $1 million to $1.5 million, enabling more patients to access essential support such as groceries, transportation, and housing during treatment. The impact extends beyond numbers: the funds help people navigate the financial challenges that accompany cancer treatment, easing burdens for families and individuals in treatment across Alberta.
Drive for Hope: A Year-Long Campaign with a Focus on Education
The Priddis Greens Charity Classic is the culmination of the Foundation’s Drive for Hope, a year-long fundraising initiative. The program also harnessed World Cancer Day as a milestone to launch a matching strategy, amplifying both community engagement and the dollars raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The goal is twofold: increase financial support for cancer care programs and raise awareness about the Foundation’s partners and their work.
Beyond Dollars: Spreading Awareness and Education
For AGAT, supporting cancer care isn’t only about funds. It’s about broadening awareness of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s programs and showcasing how education and outreach can multiply impact. Reckmann emphasizes that education is critical: “We want to draw awareness to our communities, our initiatives and its reach. Education about the Alberta Cancer Foundation programs is essential to making a difference.”
A Model for Community Support Across Sectors
The AGAT Foundation illustrates how a corporate-backed philanthropic arm can align scientific expertise with community needs. By partnering with a respected cancer foundation, the AGAT Foundation translates laboratory-driven insights into tangible support for patients and families. The model demonstrates that strategic philanthropy—rooted in scientific rigor and community collaboration—can extend well beyond a single fundraiser to create lasting change.
Looking Ahead
As the Foundation plans future events and campaigns, the emphasis remains on expanding access to critical cancer care services and heightening public understanding of available resources. The success of the Priddis Greens Charity Classic and the Drive for Hope campaign signals a growing commitment to hitting both the financial targets and the education goals that empower communities to advocate for better cancer care.
Conclusion
AGAT Foundation’s work in cancer care exemplifies how corporate philanthropy, community volunteers, and patient-centered programs can converge to drive meaningful change. By blending fundraising with education and awareness, the Foundation helps ensure that more patients receive the support they need on their cancer journey—and that communities stay informed and engaged about these vital programs.
