BOW VALLEY – A Bow Valley foundation received an education-based award for its contributions to local public schools.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation received the Alberta School Boards Association’s Friends of Education award, which recognizes individuals or organizations that show a commitment to improve the education of students in the province.
“Whether it’s sports and athletics, land-based learning and cultural interactions, or mental wellness supports, the educational journey is different for everyone. Making sure youth have the resources they need to excel is vital for the success of students and their families,” said Cathy Geisler, executive director at the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation in a media release.
“We are proud of the creative programs that have evolved locally because of our funding.”
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation was established in 2013 and is a private organization in Banff. It is funded by profits from Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and the Banff Lodging Company. It has a goal of reinvesting in Banff and the Bow Valley by assisting with projects that contribute to active and vibrant communities.
It was originally launched to help Banff student programming in outdoor pursuits and athletics, but evolved to support programs for K to Grade 12 students in Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS). The foundation passed $1 million in annual donations to CRPS.
According to a media release, the foundation’s donations in the last five years have allowed CRPS to hire a school and family wellness worker, a divisional psychologist, a speech and language pathologist and an occupational therapist.
“This level of care and commitment to students and financial support is remarkable. We know no other benefactor as intentional in their generosity as the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation,” said Chris MacPhee, superintendent of schools for CRPS.
The foundation has donated $4.3 million to CRPS and other education-based initiatives in the Bow Valley. It has also provided financial help to Take Me Outside, Spirit North, École Notre-Dame des Monts and land-based learning programs and infrastructure at Nakoda Elementary School.
“Helping support our schools and improve education in the Bow Valley empowers youth and strengthens families,” said Geisler. “We are grateful to continue to offer our support and help build stronger communities.”
