More than 100 Fresh Food Boxes make their way into the Bow Valley every month, helping residents and families access affordable fruits and vegetables.

At its busiest, the @bowvalleyfoodalliance has distributed more than 220 boxes in a single month 🥕

And while overall demand has remained steady, the need for affordable food is growing. Today, about 30% of Fresh Food Boxes are subsidized or provided free of charge.

Volunteers are key to the program, including Trudy and Sarah in Canmore, who have been helping with Fresh Food Box distribution for years 🥦

Join us at the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation in supporting the Bow Valley Food Alliance by purchasing a box for someone in your community or donating to help keep fresh food affordable.

📸 Bow Valley Food Alliance

The @bowvalleyshelter Emergency Winter Shelter opened November 1 in Canmore, providing a warm place to sleep, hot meals and essential support for people experiencing housing insecurity 🏠

Beyond the shelter, the Homelessness Society`s Community Food Cupboard helps people access food and additional support when they need it.

One great way to get involved is the Society`s Gather for Good Fall Fundraiser on November 25 at Cornerstone Theatre in Canmore. Enjoy an evening of live music, food and a silent auction, all while supporting people in our community 🍂

With winter here, we`re encouraging the Bow Valley community to join the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation in helping neighbours who need a little extra support. Together, we can make the Bow Valley a more supportive place for everyone.

Learn more at bowvalleyshelter.ca

📸HSBV

There`s still time to apply! @banffcanmorefoundation`s Wellbeing in Community Grants are accepting applications until Tuesday, November 10, supporting initiatives that strengthen mental health and wellbeing across the Bow Valley.

Through our annual $100,000 donation, the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation is proud to be the anchor sponsor of the Banff Canmore Foundation`s Community Grants program 🩵

The next round of Community Grants opens November 15, with applications accepted until January 10, 2027. Last year, $200,000 supported 25 community initiatives.

Learn more at banffcanmorefoundation.org

📸 Banff Canmore Foundation

Change inside begins outside 🍂

That’s the philosophy behind @spiritnorthxc, an organization using the power of sport, play, and connection to the land to help Indigenous youth discover their potential.

Right here in the Bow Valley, about 380 young people are participating in Spirit North programs.

From mountain biking and cross-country skiing to paddling, hiking, and traditional games, these experiences are about more than learning a new sport. They build confidence, belonging, cultural connection, and a sense of new possibilities 🚴‍♀️

The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation has donated $340,000 to Spirit North since 2022 and will continue that support with $100,000 per year for the next three years, helping bring more of these experiences to Indigenous youth in our communities.

Winter sport season is underway across the Bow Valley! ❄️

From hockey and figure skating to speed skating, Nordic skiing, climbing, gymnastics, swimming, squash and volleyball, local kids are getting back to the sports they love.

This year, the True Sport Youth Fund is supporting local sport and recreation organizations with funding for equipment, coaching, programming and financial assistance, helping make it easier for more children and youth to participate ⛸️

We’re proud to help give young people chance to get active, build skills, make friends, and have fun all winter long.

📸 @canmoremha @banff.skating.club @banffcanmorespeedskating

Take Me Outside Day is today, October 21! 🌲

It’s a day to celebrate outdoor learning and a simple idea we believe strongly in: kids benefit from spending time outside.

Here in the Bow Valley, we’re fortunate to have an incredible outdoor classroom right outside our doors. Whether it’s a walk, a bike ride, time on the trails or simply learning outside, every opportunity to get outdoors can help young people move, explore, connect and learn 📚

Today, let’s get outside.

📸 Take Me Outside
2026 TMO Week participant Sarah Pelletier and her second-grade class
2025 TMO Day participant from Bayview Glen

The Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance (@bvmba_1993) has a new home for the equipment and tools that help keep Banff trails in great riding shape! The group is now busy outfitting its new storage facility 🔨

BVMBA is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to maintaining and improving mountain biking opportunities in the Banff area. From trail maintenance and working with Parks Canada on trail access to bike-focused community events, BVMBA volunteers make a difference year-round 🚵

Our $75,000 donation is helping support these dedicated volunteers with the tools and space they need to keep Bow Valley trails accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Questions or interest in volunteering with the crew? Email bvmba1993@gmail.com