Alberta Blue Cross® wants to recognize Albertans who are champions for wellness in their communities through its annual Faces of Wellness program.
Each year, the program acknowledges those making positive lifestyle changes toward becoming healthier, promoting a health-related cause, making the most of life while living with a chronic condition, advocating for wellness in their workplace, standing up for mental health or acting as a role model for others—people who embrace the courage to overcome challenges.
“2025 marks the fifth year of the Faces of Wellness program, and we’ve received upwards of 1,000 applications and nominations since 2020 from Albertans sharing their diverse and inspiring wellness journeys with us,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross®. “If you know someone who’s a champion for wellness—or that’s you—we welcome you to apply.”
In 2024, the Faces of Wellness program received more than 250 applications and nominations from Albertans. Alberta Blue Cross® recognized 1 grand prize recipient and 10 finalists.
The grand prize recipient of the 2024 Faces of Wellness program was Zachary Weeks. Born with cerebral palsy, Zachary is a committed advocate for disability rights and social justice, using his platform to fight ableism and raise awareness about accessibility. He has worked as a consultant on significant projects such as the construction of Rogers Place and with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, ensuring the voices of the differently-abled community are heard and considered. Zachary’s passion and deep commitment to the community truly make him a champion for wellness.
An additional 10 inspiring honourees were also recognized through the 2024 program, including Vanessa Marshall, an Indigenous entrepreneur committed to uplifting marginalized voices in her community, and Kristofor O’Brien Mahler, one of Canada’s top ski cross athletes and a source of inspiration for many.
Albertans are encouraged to apply or nominate someone they know to be recognized as a face of wellness for a chance to win amazing wellness-related prizes including the grand prize of a weekend away in the Alberta Rockies. The deadline to apply for Faces of Wellness is October 2, 2025, and program recipients will be announced in December. To enter and learn more, visit facesofwellness.ca.
For more information, please contact Katelyn Pretzlaff, senior communications officer of Corporate Communications, Alberta Blue Cross at kpretzla@ab.bluecross.ca.
This media release was shared as a news story on:
- Taproot Edmonton’s Health Innovation Roundup on August 13
- Sean Burke on CFWE-RM on September 9
