Once again, the Banff Community Foundation has reached out into the community to distribute grants in support of worthy causes and programs.
On Jan. 10, the foundation distributed $61,000 to 15 groups or projects within the Bow Valley – spanning the spectrum of worthy causes from education to health to the environment.
“We call ourselves a 360 degree grant maker,” said Lorraine Widmer-Carson, foundation executive director. “Our core grant priority is the Banff community and Banff National Park, but the foundation also takes a broader look at the Valley.”
This year’s grants put the foundation’s total community grant figure at more than $450,000.
From suicide prevention for Grade 10 Bow Valley students to avalanche awareness for the back country enthusiast; from building a culture of local leadership to installing a “zip line” in the Banff hospital corridor, the community foundation works on behalf of the community.
Smart and Caring was the theme for the foundation’s work this year and beyond, said Widmer-Carson.
Among those awarded were Anne-Julie Dudemaine, recipient of the Marika Laub Memorial Scholarship, Winter 2013. Dudemaine is now in pursuit of a nursing degree at the University of Calgary.
Among the interesting items which will benefit from a community grant is the zipline for the hospital. This will incorporate 45 metres of overhead rail which will be used by seniors equipped with a harness to prevent falls. “This is pretty cool,” said Widmer-Caron. “It will help seniors with mobility and confidence and I look forward to seeing that in place.”
A more Valley-focused project, she said, is Bow Valley Community Connections, which builds partnerships between Exshaw, Morley, Banff and Canmore communities by connecting families to the stories, history, arts, and heritage of the mountains.
“That project is through Exshaw School,” said Widmer-Carson. “They’re doing an amazing job of outreach there with cultural relationships that includes elders, ceremony and dance. This is the fourth year for that grant and last year the group did a smudge and dance at Mineral Springs Hospital… that was a magic moment.”
Another aid to the bridging of community is funding for Travelling Suicide Prevention – a Grade 10 school program for Canmore and Banff students that uses storytelling followed by facilitated discussion, with support of school counsellors, teachers, Town of Banff Family School Liaison Worker, Alberta Mental Health and Bow Valley Victim Services.
Other groups and programs that received Banff Community Foundation funding include: Food for Learning – ensuring every school aged child has the energy and nutritional support required for learning, playing and growing; Mountain Living – environmental education programs helping students discover and develop a sense of place and understanding of our unique natural environment; The Early Years – supporting the purchase of early childhood educational resources that build skills related to creative play, interactive learning and problem solving (age appropriate and toxin free) and BanffLIFE – serving Banff’s unique population of 18 to 30 year olds, this project focuses on personal development that builds communication and interpersonal skills, as well as business and community awareness.
Social and health groups funded include: Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign – The Y continues to support victims of date rape through this educational campaign targeting perpetrators with a bold message that says “Don’t be that Guy”; Meals on Wheels – Home meal service that supports seniors wishing to remain in their homes, as well as those who have been discharged from hospital following illness or surgery and Music Therapy – a weekly program for residents of St. Martha’s Place, Banff (may have formerly lived in Golden, Cochrane, Calgary, Canmore, Morley) helping those who are typically withdrawn become connected, engaged and full of joy.
Funds also went to education and arts groups, including: Wildlife Edu-Kits – seven travelling trunks of educational resources will be inventoried and updated, available to students and teachers deepening learning about the ecology of elk, bears, and wolves; Community Building – Providing a scholarship for a local charitable sector leader wishing to attend a Leadership Development program at The Banff Centre; Avalanche Awareness – an educational event for young adventurers, typically age 18-30, promoting safe travel in the back-country and introduces tools and techniques on topics related to avalanche safety; Messiah in the Mountains and a Mass for Peace – support for a Valley-wide community choir that rehearses and performs in Banff and Canmore, promoting community arts and culture and Canadian Rockies Regional Science Fair – students in Grades 4-12 from Banff, Canmore and Exshaw are invited to explore personal interests as they research, experiment and present their findings to the community in a science fair format.
