BANFF – A $1.25 million donation will help YWCA Banff provide social programs in the Bow Valley.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation provided the donation as part of a five-year partnership to help support services such as the emergency shelter, affordable housing, counselling services and violence prevention and advocacy programs.
“This financial commitment and partnership will enable us to continue providing an array of programs and services that promote safety, empowerment, and inclusivity for all members of our community. Ongoing stable funding is rare for not-for-profits and it’s not unusual to experience major fiscal gaps,” said Ebony Rempel, CEO of YWCA Banff, in a media release, adding they haven’t reached 50 per cent of the funding necessary to run services this fiscal year.
“This reliable and sustainable funding from the foundation takes some of that stress off, allowing us to focus more time and energy on our mission and we are so grateful for that.”
One long-term Banff resident, who came from Mexico in 2019 and works in hospitality, said she found herself in a toxic work environment and saw herself go to the hospital. She was kicked out of her employee housing, left without income and her immigration status became at risk.
Elia Lopez said YWCA Banff staff “went above and beyond” to help her and saw her stay for 416 days.
“I was able to leave with robust spirit, ready to live my best life and give back to this beautiful community I call home,” Lopez said in a media release.
In 2023, YWCA Banff helped more than 2,300 community members and had more than 1,400 safe nights for people using the emergency sheltering programs. They also received more than 670 crisis calls.
YWCA Banff provides services to people from Lake Louise to Mînî Thnî (Morley).
“It’s important to remember these numbers represent real people,” said Reave MacLeod, director of advocacy and outreach for YWCA Banff, in a media release. “These are people who live and work in this community. They are our neighbours and friends. They depend on [YWCA Banff] to provide a safe, judgement free space and help guide them on a journey towards healing.”
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation was established in 2013 as a private foundation. It is funded by profits from Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company to reinvest in Banff and the Bow Valley to support local projects such as Bow Valley Food Alliance and Canadian Rockies Public Schools’
The foundation has given $850,000 to YWCA Banff since 2021 and is the organization’s largest donor.
“Our diverse labour force, young population and seasonal economy are just a few factors that make the Bow Valley a unique and often challenging place to work and live,” said Cathy Geisler, the executive director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, in a media release.
“Fostering the ongoing and long-term well-being of all community members is essential and we see the YWCA as a cornerstone of this effort. By investing in YWCA Banff, we are investing in the betterment of our community.”
