Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden logo

Mission Statement

Supporting the University of Alberta Botanic Garden in becoming a welcoming and accessible oasis for all, through excellence in fundraising and community engagement.

For more information on the Friends of the Garden, email friendsofuabg@gmail.com

Volunteer Opportunity: Casino Fundraiser

The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden are looking for volunteers to support our upcoming Casino Fundraiser at Starlight Casino in West Edmonton Mall.

Casino events are a critical source of funding for the Friends, helping support programs, infrastructure, and special initiatives at the Garden. These shifts are fun, well-organized, and a great way to give back while connecting with fellow supporters of the Garden.

Event Details
Dates: June 20 & 21, 2026
Location: Starlight Casino, West Edmonton Mall
8882 170 St NW #2710, Edmonton, AB
Eligibility: Volunteers must be 18 years or older
Thank You: A complimentary meal is provided for all volunteers

Last year, this fundraiser raised over $80,000, directly supporting garden maintenance, community events, and the creation of a sustainable and welcoming space for visitors from Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Vision - Sharing the Gifts of the Natural World

The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden are driven by a deep passion for connecting people to the beauty and wonders of our natural world; we nurture humanity and our environment. We recognize that we are stewards of this land, its resources, and its people. This passion fuels our hard work. Our values serve as a compass for our actions:

  • Service: We are dedicated to the well-being of the UofA Botanic Garden, the visitors to the Garden, and our community.
  • Achievement: We know that true progress comes from action. We transform ideas into tangible outcomes, consistently fulfilling our commitments, delivering on goals and keep getting better as we go along.
  • Collaboration: Together, we are stronger. We believe in a collaborative team where each of us feels safe, inspired and confident to express our thoughts so that we can innovate together as we reach for our vision together.
  • Belonging: With compassion, we look out for each other, welcome all and embrace the strength found in our differences. By fostering a sense of belonging and a connection to our wondrous land, the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities will flourish. 

 

The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden Board Members:

Executive Team:
  • President - Della Paradis
  • Vice President - Sheliza Kazzam
  • Treasurer - Rizwan Kanji
  • Secretary - Sujata Bhatnagar
Directors:
  • JoAnne Lawrence
  • Kristina Kowalski
  • Suzan Nihad
  • Maryse Trudel
  • Denis Fortin
  • Jim Ganton
  • Nashilla Hirji-Jadavji
  • Hassan Mulji
  • Kim Chan
  • Michelle Anderson
  • Arif Karmali

Staff Liaison:

  • Fabienne Mamane-Virani