The Edmonton Elks ovarian cancer research endowment fund, which is partnered with the the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, has officially surpassed $1 million.
“Surpassing $1,000,000 for women’s health research is an incredible milestone. Ovarian cancer remains a complex and formidable opponent — often silent in its early stages and, in some forms, highly aggressive,” said RAHF and AWHF president and CEO Sharlene Rutherford in a statement.
“Thanks to the leadership and generosity of the Edmonton Elks community, we are creating hope through research and moving closer to better detection, better treatments, and brighter futures for women everywhere.”
The fund was established in 2008 in honour of longtime team staff member Pam Monastyrskyj, who passed away in 2005. Originally supported through an annual fundraising dinner, the fund now receives support through Game Changers: A Women’s Training Camp, which is hosted annually.
Last year’s Game Changers event raised $62,484.85, pushing donations over the $1 million threshold.
“Reaching the one million dollar milestone for the Edmonton Elks Women’s Endowment Fund is an incredibly meaningful moment for our community,” said 2026 Game Changers co-chair Chelsea Philpott.
“What started as a vision to honour Pam Monastyrskyj and support ovarian cancer research has grown into something truly powerful. Game Changers brings women together in a way that is both inspiring and impactful, and this milestone is a testament to the generosity, passion, and commitment of everyone who has supported the event along the way.”
This year’s Game Changers event will be held at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, June 27. Full details have yet to be announced.
The Edmonton Elks were one of the CFL’s most active teams in free agency with key signings including quarterback Taylor Powell, receivers Austin Mack and Joe Robustelli, offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, and defensive lineman Malik Carney. The team’s main departures included quarterback Tre Ford (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna (Winnipeg Blue Bombers).
The Elks hold the third overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Edmonton will play its first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 23 and its first regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, June 6.
In 2025, Edmonton finished fifth in the West Division standings with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season.
