Overview: A Foundation Rooted in Community Service
Raising money and awareness for cancer care is at the core of the AGAT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AGAT Laboratories. For 45 years, AGAT Laboratories has delivered analytical laboratory testing and data-driven solutions across a wide range of sectors, from environmental consulting to life sciences. The Foundation formalizes a long-standing commitment to community support, extending beyond corporate giving by inviting others to participate in meaningful STEM-focused philanthropy.
According to Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories and director of the AGAT Foundation, the foundation’s creation in 2018 marked a deliberate step to formalize and expand the company’s community work. “We wanted to go further, not just with our own giving, but by bringing others to the table too,” she explains. The result is a coordinated program of fundraising and awareness campaigns that align science, medicine, and community well-being.
Major Fundraising in Action: The Priddis Greens Charity Classic
One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives is its partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, anchored by the annual AGAT Foundation Priddis Greens Charity Classic. Every August, dozens of volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters come together for a golf tournament that raises critical funds for cancer research and patient care. In 2024, the event raised an impressive $897,000, contributing to the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program.
This support helped raise the program’s annual budget from $1 million to $1.5 million, enabling more patients to access essential services during treatment—such as groceries, transportation, and housing stability. The impact extends beyond numbers; it demonstrates how community-driven events can translate into tangible relief for families facing cancer diagnoses.
Beyond Dollars: The Drive for Hope Campaign
The Priddis Greens Charity Classic is the culmination of the Foundation’s broader Drive for Hope, a year-long fundraising initiative designed to sustain momentum in cancer care advocacy. The campaign strategically leverages World Cancer Day to launch a matching program that amplifies both community involvement and dollars raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This approach highlights how coordinated timing and public awareness can multiply the effect of every donation.
Why Cancer Care Matters to AGAT and Its Communities
AGAT Laboratories understands the personal toll of cancer. Reckmann notes that many in the company have faced cancer treatments within their own families and among colleagues. This connection fuels a dedicated belief that science, innovation, and technology can unlock better outcomes for patients. The Foundation’s work in cancer care mirrors the company’s broader mission: using data-driven tools to solve real-world problems and uplift communities.
Beyond fundraising, the AGAT Foundation emphasizes awareness. Reckmann underscores the importance of education about Alberta Cancer Foundation programs, stressing that expanding knowledge can empower communities to seek help, access resources, and participate in ongoing research. The Foundation’s dual focus—fundraising and awareness—ensures that every dollar also carries a broader message about the value of patient-centered care.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Community-First Philanthropy
AGAT’s approach offers a blueprint for community-first philanthropy that couples corporate expertise with civil engagement. By aligning their STEM foundation with established cancer care programs, AGAT demonstrates how private-sector support can bolster public health initiatives while elevating community voices. The Priddis Greens Charity Classic and Drive for Hope exemplify how a business can contribute to essential services while inviting widespread participation from employees, partners, and local residents.
Conclusion: Education, Engagement, and Empathy in Action
The AGAT Foundation’s work in cancer care is more than fundraising—it is a sustained effort to educate, engage, and empower communities. Through high-impact events, strategic partnerships, and ongoing awareness campaigns, the foundation shows that meaningful support can turn scientific progress into practical help for patients and families facing cancer. As Reckmann puts it, the goal is not only the dollars raised but how far the message can travel and how many lives can be positively affected.
