A donation of $2.9 million is being made to Lethbridge's Jack Ady Cancer Centre from the estate of Bruce and Edna Moffat. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Historic $2.9 million donation made to Lethbridge cancer centre

May 28, 2025 | 11:41 AM

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (CRHF) is getting its largest donation ever.

It will receive $2.9 million from the estate of Bruce and Edna Moffat.

The Lethbridge couple supported CRHF for more than 35 years before their passing in 2022 and 2023. They included the Foundation in their wills.

Brenda Hubley, Chief Program Officer for Cancer Care Alberta, says this donation will make a significant difference for cancer patients and their families.

The money will be used to buy a new Linear Accelerator for the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, replacing one of its aging machines. It allows patients to receive advanced radiation therapy.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

She says the new device is “state of the art” and is far more precise than the ones that local staff have been using for the last 15 years.

“That means we can treat exactly what we want to treat, nothing more. We can treat that to a dose in such a way that we really improve the opportunities for patients to survive their cancer and to minimize the impact and side effects of that cancer,” says Hubley.

Bruce and Edna Moffat’s story was shared at Wednesday’s donation announcement.

We were told that they were a quiet and humble couple who worked modest jobs, but planned in such a way that they were always able to give back to their community.

The CRFH said in a news release that their estate planning reflected their values of being practical, thoughtful and rooted in service to others.

The radiation department at the Cancer Centre was recently renamed in their honour – the Bruce & Edna Moffat Wellness Lounge. It is described as a place for rest, reflection and healing for those undergoing cancer treatment.

Bruce had talked about wanting to see their names on the wall, not for praise, but as a symbol of hope and contribution that could inspire others to do right by their community.

Heather Giovannetti, Radiation Therapy Manager at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, says the Moffats’ contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of the 900 patients they treat annually and their families.

“At the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, we are so grateful for this next-generation linear accelerator, which brings remarkable precision to radiation therapy and ensures patients receive the most accurate and effective care possible,” says Giovannetti. “This technology reflects our commitment to putting patients first – delivering hope, healing, and better outcomes for patients today and generations to come.”

The new Linear Accelerator is the first in Alberta outside of Calgary and Edmonton.

Hubley says the machine has been ordered, but between renovations, installation and staff training, it will likely be operational “in the new year.”