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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Banff Food and Friends was launched two years ago at St. George in the Pines, inspired by the success of Canmore Food & Friends. Today, it serves 200–250 people every week, offering healthy, delicious meals—and a warm, welcoming place to connect with others and make new friends.
A key feature of the program is its rotating chef model, which invites local chefs to offer their talents each Monday. Because the program runs just one day a week, chefs can participate without disrupting their full-time jobs.
The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is proud to support Banff Food & Friends with a $25,000 donation, helping cover essential operating costs—from rent and food to the day-to-day momentum that keeps the program thriving. As more people discover it, interest continues to grow.
Food & Friends is powered by community—and always open to more support. If you or your organization would like to volunteer, reach out! There’s plenty of room at the table.
Everyone deserves the chance to experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding. That’s why we’re pleased to support @rockymtnadaptive`s U CAN Try It camps at @sunshinevillage.
These free one-day camps are designed for individuals who have never skied, snowboarded, or sit skied before. They provide a fun, welcoming environment where participants learn the basics and build confidence.
Programs are open to everyone four years old and up, and the next camp is on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Yesterday, we celebrated the ribbon cutting for the new outdoor education building at Mînî Thnî. It was an honour to stand alongside Stoney Nakoda Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, and leaders from the community and @stoneyedauthority, all of whom contributed to bringing this vision to life.
Located just steps from the Bow River, this space will be home to a burgeoning outdoor and land-based learning program that will continue strengthening students’ connection to the land, culture, and traditional knowledge of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations.
Since 2022, we have donated $290,000 to support these programs, funding equipment, curriculum development, and projects like the outdoor pavilion and this new outdoor learning building. Over the next two years, we will donate $125,000 annually to further strengthen and expand the program’s impact.
Students at @canadianrockiespublicschools are hitting the court and enjoying basketball as an optional after-school activity. From practicing their shots to learning about teamwork, they develop skills and confidence while having fun.
Since 2013, the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation has donated over $4,700,000 to support mental and physical wellness programs at CRPS. From athletics to academics, we invest in initiatives that keep youth engaged, active, and connected with the community.
Hockey is on everyone’s mind these days, and we’re thrilled to support the Bow Valley Pond Hockey League.
Our donation helps reduce financial barriers to participation by covering the cost of ice time, ensuring more kids and parents can enjoy special moments together—staying active, having fun, and creating memories.
Let`s face it: hockey isn’t just a game—it’s a great way to stay active, learn about teamwork, and create lifelong memories.
With support from the @whytemuseum, Through the Lens is back, thanks to a $55,000 donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.
The 2025 edition features aspiring photographers from Banff Community High School, Canmore Collegiate, and Mînî Thnî School.
Stay tuned for updates, including a public exhibit at the Whyte.
Today is Family Day at The Fenlands!
The fun is happening all day—so grab your skates and head over. Activities include skating, curling, shinny, sticks & pucks, and outdoor nature play. There’s something for everyone to enjoy including the chance to skate on one of Canada’s most beautiful natural outdoor rinks.
We’re proud to provide the Pauw Pass to Banff residents, which helps ensure everyone has access to fun and affordable drop-in sports, leisure, and fitness activities.
Mark your calendars: the annual @take.me.outside Winter Challenge runs from February 24 to March 7, 2025! The Winter Challenge encourages educators and learners to take the classroom outside and participate in several winter-themed activities. It’s a great way to embrace winter and foster a love for outdoor learning.
We proudly support Take Me Outside with a two-year, $200,000 funding commitment, reinforcing our belief that active living enhances students’ mental and physical well-being.
