[Media Release] The gift of health care: Bow Valley foundations unite to launch $1.9M campaign for new wellness centre
BANFF, AB – November 2026 – While Banff prepares for a bustling holiday season, three local organizations are uniting to deliver a lasting gift to the Bow Valley: a new community wellness centre designed to make local health care and social supports seamless and accessible, with a central place for residents to connect to the care they need without having to travel outside of the region.
For many residents across Banff and surrounding mountain communities, the holiday season can bring heightened challenges, from winter mental health struggles and isolation to navigating fragmented care systems far from home. To address these gaps, Covenant Foundation, Banff Canmore Foundation and the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation are partnering to raise $1.9 million in philanthropic support for a centralized community health hub.
The initiative enters the season of giving with powerful momentum following a $1 million foundational gift from the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation, which has also launched a $50,000 holiday matching challenge to encourage community-wide support.
"The holidays bring a special warmth to Banff, but behind the festive season, many of our neighbours face quiet struggles, from winter loneliness to managing complex health needs," says Margie Smith, registered nurse and site administrator at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. "Having served this community for 32 years, I know that having someone listen and guide you to the right care is often the greatest gift you can receive. That is what this centre will provide."
One integrated hub to connect residents to care, closer to home
The new wellness centre will bring essential health care, specialized treatment and community supports together under one roof, making it easier for Bow Valley residents to access the care they need, closer to home.
The centre will feature expanded primary care facilities with seven consultation rooms and one treatment room, coordinated mental health and addiction supports, access to visiting specialists and adult day programming for individuals living with dementia or other cognitive challenges.
Central to the centre's approach will be care navigation which will help residents and families understand their options, connect with appropriate health and social services and access the support they need within their community whenever possible.
By integrating these services, the centre will help improve continuity of care, support earlier intervention and ease pressure on Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.
A holiday match to double community impact
With the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation matching all new donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000 throughout the holiday season, project leaders are calling on local businesses, residents and visitors to help bring the project over the finish line.
Community members interested in supporting the Banff community wellness centre or doubling their impact through the holiday match can visit the project's official webpage.
About Covenant Foundation
Covenant Foundation connects donors with opportunities to strengthen and transform care at Covenant hospitals and care communities across Alberta. Through specialized programs, enhanced care spaces, state-of-the-art equipment and training and leading-edge innovation, donor generosity helps elevate the healthcare experience in ways that respond to the unique needs of the communities we serve.
Guided by our mission, we prioritize care for those most vulnerable and support the whole person in mind, body and soul, helping ensure Albertans don’t just receive exceptional care but feel it at every moment of their journey.
About the Banff Canmore Foundation
Banff Canmore Foundation connects resources and opportunities to activate community potential, enhance quality of life and create belonging for all.
About the Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that promote community well-being and sustainability in the Bow Valley. Through strategic partnerships and thoughtful investments, the foundation strives to create positive change and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Media contact:
Carmel David
Manager, Brand and Donor Relations
Covenant Foundation
carmel.david@covenanthealth.ca