New discovery and technology centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
supported with landmark donation

EDMONTON, April 22 /CNW/ - In a landmark giving announcement for the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation (GRHF), the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) Charitable Foundation announced today that they will give $1 million to the Courage Centre at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH). The Charitable Foundation is the beneficiary of the philanthropic efforts of the Building Trades of Alberta's 16 affiliated unions and 22 locals with a combined membership of over 60,000 unionized skilled trades people.

The Centre, which will be known as the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre, is currently in its final phase of construction with an opening date planned for the fall 2010.

"The BTA Foundation builds its community reinvestment fund through the charitable activities of over 60,000 unionized skilled trades people who believe in supporting all Albertans with their charitable gifts to healthcare, education and community projects. This gift also reflects our belief in the power of leading-edge technology and training for not just those in the building trades but for those who may require this type of support during a rehabilitation journey," says Ron Harry, President, Building Trades of Alberta Charitable Foundation.

Mr. Harry also highlighted the philanthropic efforts of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 146, the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers, and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 488, who have each made an additional commitment of $500,000 to this world-class hub of new rehabilitation equipment and technology.

"This is truly a landmark moment in the history of the GRH and its Foundation," says Dr. Ted Purcell, Chair of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. "We thank each and every union member of the Building Trades of Alberta for this extraordinary commitment. By sharing their skilled trades advantage, gifts totalling $2.5 million ensures the GRH's Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre will provide leading-edge technology to Albertans rehabilitating from major illnesses, injuries and chronic conditions."

About the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation is exactly that - a foundation on which to build hope, opportunity and independence for people who experience life-altering events through illness, injury or at birth. All funds raised are used to support capital projects, conduct research, purchase new equipment and enhance patient care.

For further information: Media Contact: Dinah Gray, Director of Communications, GRHF, w. [phone], [email protected]