A (Re)Introduction to Your Local Health Foundation

We shared some exciting news with our community a couple of months ago. That news included the introduction of our new name, new website, and new branding. On that day, we officially became the Canmore Hospital Foundation. With this, we stepped not aside–but forward–from our former name: The Canmore & Area Heath Care Foundation.

As always, we were grateful and uplifted by the warm reception from our community, and we have been so proud and excited to enter this new chapter in our decades-long history in the Bow Valley.

While we’re committed to moving forward and keeping our sights set on the future of health care in our community, we’d like to take a moment to explore where we’ve been and where we’re going as the Canmore Hospital Foundation. So, join us as we glace back before continuing in our favourite direction: forward. 

20 Years of the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation

Since its establishment in 2003, the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation (now known as the Canmore Hospital Foundation) has supported healthcare services in the Bow Valley thanks to the generosity of our donors and our community at large. Our roots trace back to a deep-seated commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community, inspired by the dedication of the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, which began its noble work in 1978.

Over the decades, we've embarked on a journey marked by significant milestones and transformative initiatives. From pioneering capital campaigns that funded essential renovations to the Canmore General Hospital, such as labour and delivery rooms, cancer care units, and palliative care units, to the introduction and expansion of impactful programs like the Staff Appreciation Program and the Scholarship Program, together we have touched countless lives and shaped the healthcare landscape of the region. It’s inspiring to see what you have all achieved through joining us in our mission, and we’re consistently in awe of the commitment and generosity demonstrated by our donors, partners, supporters, and community members.

Our collaboration with local businesses, individuals, and community partners has been instrumental in realizing these achievements. Through annual events like our longstanding golf tournament at Silvertip Resort and various third-party fundraisers, we've deepened our connections within the Bow Valley, and those relationships have strengthened our impact on healthcare.

As we reflect on our journey and celebrate the progress made, we also recognize the evolution of healthcare in the Bow Valley. What began as modest hospital facilities reflective of the town's humble beginnings has blossomed into the modern Canmore General Hospital, serving as a beacon of hope and healing for our community.

However, as we move into our 20th year, we've come to realize that our name and branding complicate our very simple mission. Therefore, we've decided to embrace a new chapter and a new beginning as the Canmore Hospital Foundation, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to our local hospital, our community, and the advancement of healthcare in the Bow Valley.

“It is very exciting to announce our new name, logo and strategic plan,” shared Steven Scott, Board Chair of Canmore Hospital Foundation. “We have always been focused on meeting the needs of Canmore General Hospital and healthcare delivery in the Bow Valley. The updates to our brand marks the Foundation’s growth and our team’s accomplishment in ensuring upgrades are made to the hospital facility, staff have access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and health programs are available in our community. Our change to the Canmore Hospital Foundation positions us for the future, building on our strong momentum and ensuring that, with the help of our generous donors and supporters, we remain Healthy Together.”

An Ever-Evolving Effort 

As we commemorate the Foundation's 20th Anniversary, we've taken a deep dive into our roots, our vision, and the driving force behind our endeavours. At our essence, we are here to champion our community's hospital, its dedicated staff, compassionate patients, and supportive residents. Powered by the generosity of our donors, the Canmore Hospital Foundation holds steadfast to our values of community, integrity, accountability, and, above all, health.

Our community flourishes with the Canmore General Hospital at its heart, a vital lifeline for all who call this place home. By elevating the standard of care offered at our hospital, we aspire to uplift our entire community, extending our reach to visitors and locals alike. It is this profound commitment to collective well-being that propels us forward with unwavering dedication.

The decision to transition to our new name and brand has been deliberate and considered. Over time, we recognized that our former identity, the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation, no longer fully encapsulated our mission nor resonated with our evolving vision. With this rebrand, we aim to align our outward identity more closely with our core purpose and aspirations, fostering clarity, resonance, and renewed energy in our community engagement efforts.

This transformative journey has been a collaborative endeavour made possible through the invaluable contributions of passionate individuals within our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jean McAllister of Dark Horse Company for her remarkable work in shaping our new brand, graphic design, and website. 

As we embark on this new chapter, guided by our enduring commitment to community health and prosperity, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support and unwavering dedication. Together, we stride forward with renewed purpose, embracing change as a catalyst for growth and collective impact.

“It has been a pleasure to work together with the Foundation on their new branding! The concept around the Foundation has always been about people helping people to be healthy and happy. The Canmore Hospital is vital to everyone in the Bow Valley Community – we are all affected by how well we can support the hospital, the staff, the volunteers and their programs,” said Jean McAllister. “The Foundation does this in so many creative ways, and we wanted the branding to speak to this gift of support and people power.” 

A (Re)Introduction 

Our new name, The Canmore Hospital Foundation, comes along with beautiful new branding and the tagline “Healthy Together.” Alongside our logo, you will notice a circle of people who are joined together. This branding symbolizes teamwork, inclusivity, excellence, warmth, friendship, hope, community, care, and connection. 

“The group of five figures represents everyone in the community – their shapes create a star, expressing the Foundation’s passion for excellence. The tagline “Healthy together.” encompasses how teamwork is what makes us an exceptional community,” Jean McAllister shared. 

We’re so proud of this new brand and energized to move forward with a name and brand that represents our mission and impact in Bow Valley. As you can see, we recognize and celebrate that everything we do has community at its core.  

“The Canmore Hospital Foundation and Canmore General Hospital are partners, and that partnership thrives because of people. We share a purpose to serve patients, staff, caregivers, families, donors, supporters, and all the people who live in and visit the Bow Valley,” said Kristen Pauch-Nolin, Executive Director. 

“The foundation’s new logo, a colourful group of figures joined in a circle, represents collective spirit and the new name helps clarifies our focus. Our geographic reach continues to align with the hospital’s, from Cochrane and the Stoney First Nation Community west to the British Columbia border, and our commitment remains to support health initiatives that benefit the entire region. Inspired by our new brand we look forward to the future and everything we can accomplish together.”