How Morrel Wax builds bridges between donors and community needs
Inspired by the generosity of multiple benefactors, Morrel Wax has dedicated his life to connecting donors with the causes that matter most. His role at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation as the vice president of Fund Development and Stakeholder Engagement is not just a job but a calling—one that aligns with both his personal experiences and professional aspirations, touching lives through the hospital’s focus on inner-city medicine, Indigenous health, and elder care. Here, we uncover Wax’s journey to make a profound impact in a community that has become his own, driven by the belief that shared narratives unite us all.
Tell us about your career path that led you to Edmonton.
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, I never imagined my journey would lead me here. After finishing grad school, I initially worked at Miami University, where I managed corporate relations. I loved connecting corporate partners with students and using my business skills to foster community support. This curiosity led me to explore the impact of giving, particularly among minority alumni. I became passionate about bridging the gap between donors and community needs. While presenting at a conference, someone suggested I consider a career in Canada. After some thought, in 2016, I moved to Edmonton to work at the University of Alberta, where I delved into Canadian culture and fund development work.
In Canada, I faced the challenge of building affinity for educational support in a system often seen as the government’s responsibility. My role was to connect people with causes they cared about and demonstrate the value of their contributions to the university and its students. For three years, I dedicated my work to student scholarships and programs that uplift marginalized communities, particularly people of colour.
Then, an opportunity at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation came knocking. My current boss asked if I’d considered a career in healthcare. Despite my American background and limited knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system, I was drawn to the hospital’s focus on inner-city medicine. My personal experiences with mental health and addiction, and supporting my aging mother, fueled my interest. I transitioned from the university to the hospital, embracing the opportunity to learn and grow. After two and a half years, the pandemic struck, and my boss was promoted to CEO. When her successor moved on, I stepped up as the vice president of Fund Development and Stakeholder Engagement.
Now, I lead a group of amazing people, amplifying voices that are dear to me and my team. The Royal Alex is renowned for its expertise in eye and heart health, women’s health, mental health and addiction, child and adolescent mental health, frail elderly care, and bone and joint health. I cherish my role because it aligns with my passion and purpose. Overseeing donor experiences, I work with individuals eager to support the hospital, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives through their generosity.
In addition to your position at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, you also run a business called Moments by Morrel. Can you tell us more about that?
Moments by Morrel began as a heartfelt endeavour to help people express gratitude in meaningful ways. During the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to support businesses in showing appreciation to their clients and staff. Recognizing that traditional gifts like wine or chocolates weren’t always enough, I wanted to create something more personal and memorable. This led to the development of unique gift boxes that, once emptied, could be watered to grow herbs or flowers, incorporating sustainability into the gifting experience.
As the business grew, it became clear that scaling required a shift from purely gifting to curating immersive experiences. These experiences are tailored to the needs of our clients, whether they’re looking to thank staff, impress corporate partners, or host intimate home gatherings with a personal touch. By focusing on creating memorable moments, we aim to make gratitude a lasting impression, helping businesses to connect deeply with those they appreciate.
I’ve always aimed to bridge diverse worlds—like uniting creative artists with affluent communities eager for unique experiences. My involvement across various communities allows me to connect those with resources to the needs within healthcare and beyond. This alignment lets me fulfill my passion and purpose in both my professional and personal endeavors, which is truly rewarding.
What is the most important factor when it comes to raising money for businesses and foundations?
In the world of business, attracting and retaining viewership is paramount. To capture attention, you must offer something compelling and relatable. Ask yourself: Does your team reflect the audience you wish to engage? Are they as passionate and connected to their purpose as your CEO is? Hiring individuals with a strong sense of purpose—a “why,” is key to success.
Building genuine relationships goes beyond authenticity. It’s about making your audience the hero of your story. Without their support, meaningful work and change wouldn’t be possible. It’s important to resonate with your audience’s stories, aligning your mission with theirs. This connection is where true magic happens—not through sales pitches, but through shared narratives and the impact they create together.
In addition to these roles, you also give back to the community through multiple volunteer positions. What opportunities are taking up most of your time these days?
I volunteer at a model train club, which is a delightful escape for me, offering a chance to disconnect from my day job. The club is not only about the trains but also about the joy it brings to visitors, especially kids with autism, whose eyes light up at the sound of a train whistle. It’s heartwarming to see parents enjoy a brief respite as their children become captivated by the trains. Additionally, I serve on the board of the YMCA and volunteer with YEG Good Brothers, a group of African American men committed to making a positive impact in our city. We focus on creating spaces for Black men to support each other’s mental health and community involvement.
I often have the opportunity to be a mentor and coach individuals starting out in fund development. I aim to encourage others to be unapologetically themselves, helping them find purpose and passion in their work. I believe in guiding people to lead effectively from where they are, embracing discomfort to learn about themselves as leaders. Resilience is key, and understanding that challenges offer opportunities for growth is crucial in navigating change and conflict.
What has been your favourite thing about living and working in Edmonton so far?
I often say I’m American by birth but Canadian by choice, and to me, Edmonton is a welcoming and supportive place for new ideas, art, and culture. While it may take some time to warm up to new things, once embraced, the city’s diverse cultural scene rivals any in the world. Though times were perhaps easier financially a few years ago, Edmonton’s spaciousness and unique blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunity make it special. Since moving here in 2016, I’ve been humbled by the recognition I’ve received and grateful to contribute to the community through my work with Moments by Morrel and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
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