Raising Funds and Awareness for Cancer Care
AGAT Laboratories has long integrated community support into its core operations. Built on 45 years of scientific testing and data-driven solutions, the company extends its commitment through the AGAT Foundation, the philanthropic arm dedicated to giving back to its communities. Under the leadership of Marissa Reckmann, CEO of AGAT Laboratories and director of the AGAT Foundation, the organization formalized its mission in 2018 to broaden its reach beyond internal giving and invite partners to join in meaningful community impact.
About the AGAT Foundation
What started as a culture of corporate generosity evolved into a strategic platform for STEM education and nonprofit collaboration. The AGAT Foundation supports a range of programs that align with the company’s scientific roots—from environmental consulting to life sciences—while pursuing a singular goal: meaningful community impact. Reckmann emphasizes that the Foundation’s work is not merely about writing checks, but about fostering partnerships that amplify support for those in need.
Major Fundraising in Action: The Priddis Greens Charity Classic
One of the Foundation’s most notable initiatives is its partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Through the annual AGAT Foundation Priddis Greens Charity Classic, a golf tournament held each August, dozens of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners come together to advance cancer research and patient care. In 2024, this event raised a remarkable $897,000, directly supporting the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Patient Financial Assistance Program. This contribution increased the program’s annual funding from $1 million to $1.5 million, enabling more patients to access essentials such as groceries, transportation, and housing during treatment.
Beyond Funds: Driving Awareness and Education
For AGAT, the impact of fundraising extends beyond dollars raised. The Drive for Hope initiative, which culminates with the Charity Classic, operates as a year-long push to educate communities about cancer care programs and resources. A World Cancer Day–driven matching strategy further amplified both donations and community awareness, helping the Alberta Cancer Foundation extend its reach across the region.
Why Cancer Care Matters to AGAT
AGAT Laboratories understands that cancer affects families across its employee base and local communities. Reckmann notes that many colleagues and their loved ones have faced cancer treatment at various points, reinforcing the belief that science, innovation, and technology can deliver practical solutions. The Foundation’s work in cancer care is a direct extension of AGAT’s mission to leverage science for social good, particularly in diagnostics and medical research that can improve patient outcomes and access to care.
Education, Awareness, and Community Reach
AGAT’s involvement is as much about education as it is about fundraising. By highlighting Alberta Cancer Foundation programs and the real-world impact on patients, the Foundation helps communities understand where support goes and why it matters. Reckmann describes this as a two-way street: awareness fuels engagement, and engagement sustains critical programs that families rely on during trying times.
Looking Forward
As the AGAT Foundation continues its Drive for Hope, the charity aims to grow both donations and awareness. The combination of strategic fundraising events, thoughtful partnerships, and a commitment to education positions the Foundation to expand its reach in Alberta and beyond. Through ongoing collaboration with the Alberta Cancer Foundation, AGAT hopes to keep driving positive change for cancer care—one community at a time.
