Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation Donation Significantly Enhances Student Programming

Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) is thrilled to announce a remarkable donation of $1,003,000 from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation for the 2024/25 school year. This generous contribution will significantly enhance student programming across the division, benefiting all K-12 students. The funding focuses on athletics, outdoor pursuits, outdoor experiential education, and student wellness, ensuring that students engage in healthy learning initiatives without the burden of high costs.

Cathy Geisler, executive director of the Pauw Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are proud to make this financial commitment that provides affordable opportunities for students to engage in healthy learning initiatives in the areas of Athletics, Outdoor Pursuits, Outdoor Experiential Learning, and enhanced wrap-around services supporting Student Wellness.” Geisler further noted, “This support is not just about funding; it’s about fostering a sense of community and ensuring children in our Bow Valley thrive.”

The breakdown of the donation highlights the Foundation's commitment to key areas of student development:

Athletics: With $114,000 allocated, the goal is to ensure all students can participate in extracurricular athletics. High school students will face minimal fees, while students in Gr. 7-8 will benefit from no or very low fees, encouraging inclusive participation. 

Outdoor Pursuits: The initiative receives $71,000 to provide students with lessons in outdoor recreation that complement physical education. Approximately four lessons per grade grouping from K -Gr. 8 will be offered at minimal cost, promoting healthy outdoor activities.

Outdoor/Experiential Education: A significant allocation of $433,000 aims to integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum. Students will experience frequent outdoor education sessions throughout the year, aligning with grade-level learning objectives, at no cost to families.

Student Wellness & Wrap-Around Support: With a generous $375,000, the foundation emphasizes mental health support. This funding will provide proactive wellness services in schools, including counseling sessions for high school students. Reporting will assess the impact of these services on student well-being.

Academics: Lastly, the Pauw Foundation allocates $10,000 for scholarships and awards to recognize students who positively contribute to the school community, further enriching the educational experience.

“The generosity of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation continues to transform the educational experiences of Canadian Rockies Public Schools’ students,” said Superintendent of Schools Chris MacPhee. “Their remarkable donation will ensure that our learners have access to enriching programs in athletics, outdoor pursuits, and wellness services—all with minimal financial impact to families. This support strengthens our ability to provide meaningful, experiential learning opportunities and mental health supports that empower every student to succeed.”

As CRPS embarks on another year of collaboration with the Pauw Foundation, the commitment to enhancing student programming is evident. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Foundation’s support, which initially focused on programming for Banff students. Over time, the Foundation has expanded its reach to benefit all CRPS students, driven by a shared vision of creating opportunities for growth and development.

With gratitude, CRPS looks forward to the continued partnership with the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, which remains instrumental in enriching the lives of students and fostering a vibrant educational community. Together, we grow and inspire every student to reach their full potential.