Supporting an active, vibrant, and healthy community.
Our donations support projects that promote active lifestyles, enhance education opportunities, and nurture strong connections within our community. These programs and initiatives make the Bow Valley a better place for people to live, raise families, and enjoy mountain life.
We will fund initiatives that:
• Create opportunities to embrace our mountain culture, education, and recreation
• Make our community a positive place to build a career, live, and raise a family
• Positively impact our social service and community networks
• Improve the visitor experience
• Enhance infrastructure to beautify public areas and promote active transportation.
Our Impact
Since 2013, the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation has invested over $14,000,000
in the Bow Valley communities.
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The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation, in partnership with the Bow Valley True Sport and Recreation Council (BVTSRC), is excited to announce $80,000 in grants for 19 local sports organizations across the Bow Valley. This is the largest donation since the fund began, bringing the total to $354,000.
These grants, ranging from $1,500 to $9,500, will help clubs make sports more accessible by removing financial barriers. This year, highlights include new equipment for the Banff Skating Club, training programs by Canmore Minor Soccer Club, and initiatives by the Canmore Wolverines Football Club to expand participation, particularly among girls and underrepresented communities.
With this funding, more kids in the Bow Valley will have the chance to experience the power of sport. Read the article at rmoutlook.com.
Congratulations to the Take Me Outside Conference team on their sold-out event in Banff this week, May 8-10!
This conference promises to be a transformative experience with 450 educators + 140 presenters gathering to explore the power of outdoor learning. All workshops will be held outdoors, rain or shine, embodying the very essence of experiential education.
A big shout-out to Colin Harris and his team in Banff. Working closely with schools in the Bow Valley, they are instrumental in helping local educators move their classrooms outdoors, fostering a deeper connection between students and the world around them.
Learn more at @take.me.outside 🌲
We’re proud to share that Wim Pauw has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Presented by Senator Karen Sorensen, the medal honours Canadians who have made meaningful contributions to improve the lives of others. Wim’s decades of building engaging tourism experiences, investing in the community, and supporting local organizations through philanthropy reflect his deep commitment to Banff and the Bow Valley and reflect the essence of this national honour.
“Hundreds and thousands of people have helped me to get where I am right now,” said Wim, specifically thanking the @banff.lodging.co team.
Senator Sorensen noted that the medal celebrates those who “have given much of themselves to this Valley, this province, and our country at large.”
Congratulations, Wim, on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy continues to shape a stronger, more connected Bow Valley.
We`re proud to continue supporting the Banff Child Care Centre with a donation of $12,500 and Puzzles Daycare with $4,000. These donations help maintain day-to-day operations and ease the financial burden for families.
Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is a key building block in every child`s educational journey, helping lay the foundation for future success ✏️🎨🧸
Learn more about our funding at the link in bio.
Forty years ago today, on May 1, 1985, Wim acquired this building that would become Caribou Corner, marking the early beginnings of Banff Caribou Properties. Today, he had the pleasure of returning to the same spot to welcome @sheepdogbrewing as they opened their doors. It’s an exciting moment to see new ideas taking root in a place built on vision and determination.
The outdoor learning at École Notre-Dame des Monts in Canmore is more than just “fun.” Sure, students love getting outside, but teachers see the deeper value in lessons beside the river, in the forest, or at the ski hill.
“I love spending time with students outside the classroom because it’s where real connections happen,” said one teacher. “They see me as more than just their math and science teacher. We get to share experiences that build trust, teamwork, and a different kind of learning you can’t always capture at a desk.”
We’ve supported École Notre Dame des Monts since 2022, providing funding for outdoor ed activities like climbing, canoeing, and alpine and Nordic skiing.
Learn more about our funding at the link in bio.
The Canmore Young Adult Network (@cyancanmore) is offering lots of new events this spring. All young adults aged 18-35 in Canmore are welcome to attend these affordable, inclusive hangouts 👇
🧘🏽♀️ Spring yoga classes - every Sunday (sponsored by @pauwfoundation)
🧊 Cold dip experience – April 26
🍝 Community pasta night – May 7
🧶 Crochet and chill – May 21
The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is proud to donate to CYAN. This network helps young people in Canmore get out, have fun, and connect to community—making the whole Bow Valley a better place to live.
Learn more about our support of CYAN at the link in bio.
What are your dinner plans on Easter Monday? @banff.foodandfriends is hosting an Easter Dinner at St. George in the Pines from 5-7 p.m. this Monday, April 21.
It may not be a traditional Easter meal, but it will be full of good food, community connections, and great conversation. See you there!
Find out more about our support of Banff Food & Friends at the link in bio. 🍽
