Stories
The people make the story! Read on to discover more about the people and programs that we support.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION & LAND-BASED LEARNING TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE AT MÎNÎ THNÎ
May 14, 2024
From traditional academic pursuits like math and science, to mastering the Stoney language and learning from the lived experience of Elders, a deep-rooted connection to the land is permeating every facet of the learning experience for about 900 students at Mînî Thnî Community School and Nakoda Elementary School.
Banff Elementary School’s surreal Journey into art and self-expression
April 8, 2024
Banff-based artist Mindy Johnstone and Megan Jenniex, a Success Coach with Right from the Start (RFTS), are undertaking a unique educational initiative at Banff Elementary School (BES). In partnership with artsPlace, and the Canadian Rockies Public School’s Right from The Start (RFTS) program, the Right from the HeART program aims to broaden students’ horizons, encouraging them to explore the limitless possibilities of creativity and self-expression.
Grade three students Embark on Artistic Journeys of Kindness and Imagination
March 28, 2024
In a fusion of creativity and compassion, 87 grade three students at Elizabeth Rummel School in Canmore have been exploring the impact of kindness through an innovative art program called Right From the HeART that partners artsPlace, Right from The Start (RFTS), and Canadian Rockies Public Schools.
FORMER STUDENTS RETURN TO THE BOW VALLEY TO REBOOT ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM
March 19, 2024
Supported by a $35,000 donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, the program will equip burgeoning photographers with cameras and darkroom facilities.
Supporting Student Mental Health and Wellness from Within: A Collaborative Approach
February 14, 2024
Generous funding from the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation has allowed Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) to employ “boots on the ground” services to provide responsive mental health supports and timely, accessible assessments and professional learning services to schools.
Empowering youth through leadership development, confidence building, and community engagement
December 1, 2023
“Support from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation allows us to offer year-round land-based sports, activities, and a Youth Leadership programming to Indigenous children and youth in the Bow Valley,” said Beckie Scott, Founder and CEO Spirit North.
$36,000 to empower young leaders in the Bow Valley through innovative leadership program
October 31, 2023
The Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) launched its inaugural Grade 7 Leadership Program in September, a transformative initiative designed to cultivate valuable leadership skills and inspire young leaders throughout the Bow Valley.
Supporting Bow Valley sports clubs, building community and empowering youth
August 1, 2023
The positive outcomes of physical activity can significantly contribute to the development of thriving communities, especially among young people. However, the costs associated with youth sports can impose a considerable financial burden on families planning to participate in these programs.
Fostering a secure local food system in the Bow Valley
June 29, 2023
Working hand in hand with over 40 local organizations, the BVFA is deeply committed to addressing food security and promoting food sovereignty. While food security ensures access to an adequate food supply, food sovereignty empowers communities to shape their own sustainable, culturally relevant, and socially responsible food systems.
Securing shelter for the homeless during the coldest nights of the year
June 19, 2023
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. This partnership means we can continue and expand our services, maintain momentum, and remain a sustainable and much-needed resource for the community. We hear it from our clients on a daily basis: this funding helps change lives – that’s truly impactful,” said Jessica Klaric, Executive Director of HSBV.
Supporting social connectivity and empowerment for young adults in Canmore.
May 25, 2023
The Canmore Young Adult Network (CYAN) is designed to build meaningful social connections between young adults aged 18-35 by providing a opportunities for networking, social engagement, and affordable, active recreation. These connections help to combat social isolation, enhance well-being, and cultivate a strong support network. The Wim and Pauw Foundation donated $5,000 for CYAN to increase their programming.
Donation supports early childhood education at Banff Child Care Centre
April 19, 2023
Financial support from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is helping fill the gap. A recent donation of $15,000 gives the Banff Child Care Centre the additional funding they need to offer their top-tier services and ensure the kids and families continue to have an enriching and fun educational experience.
Pauw Foundation supports specialized resources for Canadian Rockies Public Schools
February 14, 2023
A $160,000 annual financial commitment from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is addressing the challenge by helping support two full-time positions: a School and Family Wellness worker and a Divisional Psychologist.
Unique experiential learning programs on the Star 6 Ranch connect youth with nature and the environment
November 21, 2022
“Horses act as a mirror for humans—reflecting our anxieties, insecurities, but also our strengths,” says Vance. “Spending time in their presence, forces us to slow down, ground ourselves, become centered in heart, body and mind, reconnect with our breath and listen.”
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, CULTURES, AND TACKLING FOOD INSECURITY
September 8, 2022
Established as an independent non-profit society in 2020, the Bow Valley Food Alliance (BVFA) was created to address issues surrounding the availability of affordable, fresh, and healthy food. With a focus on ensuring sustainability, the Alliance was designed to foster Valley-wide relationships that would form the foundation of a secure food system to support the long term needs of the entire community.
Making outdoor health and wellness a daily priority for students at Canmore’s École Notre-Dame des Monts
May 17, 2022
A $15,000 donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation will help ensure all students at ENDM have access to outdoor learning opportunities that promote fitness, an active lifestyle and mental wellness.
Spirit North: supporting Indigenous youth through sport and outdoor play
May 5, 2022
Spirit North has a powerful mandate: engage the power of land-based activities to empower Indigenous youth. A recent $70,000 donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation will help the Canmore-based organization build capacity to continue this mandate by increasing the number of programs they can offer.
Wellness through the arts
April 27, 2022
artsPlace artist collaborates with Right From The Start Success Coach to teach visual arts lessons helping students understand mental wellness concepts
“Nature has its different seasons and cycles, just like people do,” says Artist Libby Amber Pryor.
Take Me Outside connects classrooms with the great outdoors
April 21, 2022
Colin Harris thinks everyone, especially students, should spend more time outdoors. Harris is the founder and executive director of Take Me Outside (TMO), an organization focused on raising awareness on the importance of outdoor learning and connecting kids with nature.
In 2011, he went as far as launching the organization by running 7600 km across Canada and visiting 80 schools along the way.
Supporting intergenerational land-based learning at Nakoda Elementary School with new outdoor program
March 24, 2022
In Fall 2021, the grade four teachers at Nakoda Elementary School (NES) wanted to find a way to spend as much time outside with their students as possible.
Support for the Community during the COVID 19 Crisis
2020
The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation has responded to a number of direct response initiatives to support our community during the covid pandemic.
Seeking Out Wildflowers, Forest Critters and Beaver Tales
October 5, 2018
Grade one Nature Explorers take their learning out to the trails of Kananaskis
Nature Explorers tackle crime investigation and wildlife tracking, all in the name of science
September 12, 2018
Nature Explorers, in Banff National Park takes classroom learning outside
Youth Sport Across Banff & Canmore Hits Another Home Run
The Making of Mini Mountain Adventurers
May 7, 2018
Meet the Passionate Team Guiding the Next Generation of Banff’s Outdoor Enthusiasts – With a Fun Packed, Kid – Approved Approach to Getting Active Outdoors.
Pauw Foundation Profile: True Sport Principles in Action at Rundle Mountain Cycling Club
Meet Reed and Ty: Twin brothers carve camaraderie, not competition
January 24, 2018
Canmore’s up-and-coming cross-country skiing stars, Reed and Ty Godfrey, have the unusual luxury of a best friend, top-level teammate, and sibling, all in one.
Fun in the Fast Lane: Banff Canmore Speed Skating Club
February 13, 2018
While the name of the sport may suggest it’s all about speed, having fun and building confidence on the ice come first at Banff Canmore Speed Skating Club.
Behind the Finish Line – Heidi’s Story
February 23, 2018
Reflecting on a Decade of Competing at the Top, Smashing Personal Goals, Bouncing Back, and the Sometimes-Harsh Realities of Life as a Professional Athlete
Banff Elementary Students become Stars of the Big Screen
December 22, 2017
Toboganning film ‘To The Top’ premieres at Banff’s Lux Cinema to ‘Sold Out’ crowd
Giving Back to Banff at Christmas Time
December 21, 2017
Cathy Geisler, Pauw Foundation Fund Director, was delighted to spread the festive cheer, delivering $40,000 worth of cheques to local organisations this holiday season, for a total of $225,000 of funding in 2017.
Meet Nikolas: Young Banff Freeskier Reaches for New Heights
November 10, 2017
As a rising star in Banff’s freeskiing scene, you’d be right to guess that 16-year-old Nikolas Worobey has been on the snow from a young age. But he admits that his passion took some time to develop.
Meet Audrey Hebert: Freeride Snowboarder Making Her Mark for Banff
November 8, 2017
From Alaska to France, and Switzerland to Hakuba, pro-snowboarder Audrey Hebert has experienced seriously memorable powder days in some of the world’s top snow destinations. But in her eyes, nothing compares to the powder, scenery and close-knit community back home in the Canadian Rockies.
Behind The Scenes of Banff Elementary School’s Grade 7 Leadership Course
November 6, 2017
For the class of Banff Elementary School’s Grade 7s, the morning of Tuesday September 12 started a little differently than a usual school day – but this wasn’t your typical day of learning in the classroom.
Meet Desmond Young: Young Banff Curler Going the Distance
October 17, 2017
Like many young people in the Bow Valley, seventeen-year-old Desmond Young has a passion for sport. But, it might come as a surprise that his favourite isn’t skiing, climbing or mountain biking – it’s curling.
Canmore Illusions Gymnastics Club
September 26, 2017
Entering the large gym space we were greeted by a group of young gymnasts stretching, warming up and working through their conditioning exercises.
Eva Poidevin
Local students set to broaden their horizons by combining travel and study this summer
July 11, 2017
These two bright Grade 11 students are packing their suitcases and getting ready to say goodbye to Banff for four weeks – they’re both taking month-long study and travel programs as part of their summer break.
Banff High School Students take on Artist Interview Assignment for Dual Credit Program
June 2017
From his Canmore studio and gallery, Canadian Artist Jason Carter met with six enthusiastic Grade 11 students from Banff High School.
Families, Time Out
Don’t Take The Play Out of Playtime
June 2017
Meet Aaron Sands; Dad, Husband, Banff local, and former full-time athlete.
What it Takes
June 12, 2017
Banff locals, Michelle Locke and Audrey Hebert, have become two of the Bow Valley’s most inspiring examples of home-trained talent taking on the world of competitive snowboarding at the highest level, but getting a footing on those winner podiums is no easy feat.
