NEWS RELEASE

October 28, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alberta Blue Cross is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Community Wellbeing grant program.

“We were overwhelmed by the high level of interest in this year’s program with 802 applications from all over the province,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross.

The Community Wellbeing grant program supports the diverse work of community organizations promoting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of Albertans. Launched in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Alberta Blue Cross in 2023 and extended yearly after that, it awards 75 community organizations each with a $1,000 grant to support wellbeing in their communities and help Albertans thrive. This includes organizations that support newcomers and refugees, seniors, families, vulnerable youth, children, LGBTQ2S+, individuals with disabilities, individuals requiring mental health support, Indigenous Peoples and those with visible minorities.

Funding for the program is provided through the Alberta Blue Cross community foundation. As Alberta’s largest provider of health and dental benefits, Alberta Blue Cross is committed to serving as a champion for wellbeing by promoting the health of Albertans.

The 2026 Alberta Blue Cross Community Wellbeing grant recipients have incredible stories, highlighting their work. The full list of the 2026 recipients and their stories are available on the Alberta Blue Cross community website. Below are a few of these province-wide stories.

Healthy Aligned Living

Healthy Aligned Living (HAL) empowers youths aged 14 to 29 to overcome addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges through mentorship, peer-led support, as well as evidence-based recovery programming.

The grant will strengthen HAL’s youth wellness initiatives by funding workshop materials, mental health resources, peer mentorship tools and community events. These resources will provide youth with practical tools for their recovery journey while creating opportunities for connection and community building.

Hull Services

Hull Services is a nonprofit organization that supports children, youth, and families experiencing mental health challenges, trauma and adversity through evidence-based programs and services.

The grant will help enhance recreational programming for children, youth and families accessing Hull’s services. Funding will be used to purchase recreational equipment and supplies, including craft materials, outdoor games, sports equipment and camping gear that promote physical activity, social connection and mental wellness.

Courageous Companions

Courageous Companions supports veterans, first responders and their families living with post-traumatic stress and operational stress injuries through service dog training, education and community support.

The grant will help fund the training and placement of service dogs for veterans and first responders, providing trained companions that help manage trauma-related symptoms, reduce social isolation, improve emotional wellbeing and promote greater confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta

Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta empowers girls ages 5 to 18 through free programs focused on health, education and life skills, helping them build confidence, develop healthy habits and achieve their goals.

The grant will help support Girls Inc.’s summer wellness programming by funding equipment purchases and facility rentals. Items such as sports equipment, activity mats and recreation space rentals will provide more opportunities for participants to stay active, explore new activities and develop healthy habits and build lasting confidence through active living.

Suicide Prevention Resource Centre

The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre promotes mental wellbeing and reduces stigma through community education and suicide prevention initiatives. Its Connect program provides workshops and resources that build resilience, strengthen peer support and encourage open conversations about mental health.

The grant will be used to create wellness and resource kits for participants attending mental health workshops and community outreach events. These kits will include self-care resources, coping tools, information about local supports and educational materials that help individuals strengthen their wellbeing and access support when needed.

Parkland County Library Board

The Parkland County Library Board operates five public libraries serving rural communities through free access to resources, technology and learning opportunities. These libraries serve as inclusive community hubs that foster connection, creativity and lifelong learning for residents.

Funding will be used to enhance the libraries’ Mindful Monday program in Entwistle and Tomahawk. The grant will help provide mental wellness resources, program materials, guest speakers and facilitators, supporting opportunities for participants to learn mindfulness practices, reduce stress and improve their overall wellbeing.

Friends of Kerry Wood Nature Centre

The Friends of the Kerry Wood Nature Centre promotes environmental education and connects Central Albertans with nature through community programs and resources. In partnership with the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, the organization encourages environmental stewardship, lifelong learning, and engagement with the natural world.

The grant will support the Seeds for Seniors program, which provides educational sessions on backyard bird feeding and free bird seed for participating seniors. The program encourages connection with nature while helping reduce isolation, promote mental wellness and foster a sense of purpose and environmental stewardship.

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For more information, please contact Stefan Tarnawsky, communications officer, Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross, at starnaws@ab.bluecross.ca.