Media Release - Record-breaking Gift Fuels Vision for Banff Community Wellness Centre
This National Philanthropy Day, the Bow Valley region has a million reasons to celebrate thanks to a gift that’s bringing the vision of integrated health and wellness services closer than ever.
Banff, AB – Covenant Foundation is honoured to receive a $1 million donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation—the largest gift the Foundation has ever received for Banff. This transformational contribution will significantly improve access to care and health outcomes for residents across the Bow Valley.
The Banff Community Wellness Centre, located on the second floor of the Banff Public Health Building at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, will create a fully equipped, accessible hub for integrated primary care, mental health, addictions and social services. The 4,100-square-foot space will feature dedicated treatment rooms, the addition of new roles to assist in navigating the health care system, as well as rooms for visiting specialists, including cardiologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians.
“This extraordinary gift helps us ensure that patients and families can more easily navigate and access the care they need, when and where they need it most,” said Cathie Calarco, director of development at Covenant Foundation. “It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a clear path to accessing services in the community.”
“We're thrilled to make this donation that will create a more seamless experience around health and wellness needs," says Cathy Geisler, executive director of the Pauw Foundation. "This exemplifies regenerative tourism—reinvesting tourism dollars to enhance community resources. The Banff Community Wellness Centre will adapt services to meet our unique needs, from mental health and addiction support to surgical recovery and aging care.”
Helping the Community
Banff’s local health services are under increasing pressure. With a changing population, increasing challenges navigating the local health-care system, and ongoing difficulty recruiting physicians, this community is at a crossroads with health care delivery.
The Wellness Centre will introduce a proactive and collaborative model that addresses both system-wide and community-level barriers. It will help:
advance access to care,
sustain hospital capacity,
reduce emergency visits,
enhance mental health support, and
improve coordination across healthcare agencies.
“This gift will have a lasting impact on our ability to care for those we serve,” said Margie Smith, site administrator at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. “It will allow us to provide innovative programs and create a space that promotes healing and wellness for everyone who walks through our doors. We’re incredibly grateful. "
More Donations Needed
This gift will advance the first phase of this project, but more donations are needed to ensure the Centre will become a reality.
"This generous donation marks a pivotal step forward, but our journey is far from over,” Calarco continued. “With continued support, we can fully realize this vision. When community, compassion and philanthropy unite, extraordinary change is not only possible — it’s inevitable."
To donate to this project or for more information, please visit covenantfoundation.ca.
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About Covenant Foundation
Covenant Foundation raises funds to elevate the experience at the 29 Covenant hospitals and care facilities across the province. Through specialized programs, enhanced care spaces, state-of-the-art equipment and training, and leading-edge innovation, we spark transformation as unique as the communities we serve across Alberta. Learn more at covenantfoundation.ca.
About Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is a private foundation in Banff, Alberta, funded by the primary shareholder of Banff Caribou Properties, Ltd. The purpose of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is to reinvest in the Bow Valley, supporting projects that contribute to a more active and vibrant community. Learn more at pauwfoundation.com.
Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
Banff Mineral Springs Hospital offers a comprehensive range of patient services, including inpatient, emergency care and leading-edge specialized orthopedic and plastic surgery. Within the hospital, St. Martha's Place offers compassionate long-term care, including recreation therapy for continuing care residents.
Media Contact:
Karlee Conway
Director, Marketing and Communications
Covenant Foundation
780-938-5963 | [email protected]