The Foundation’s Future Is ‘Very Bright:’ Getting To Know Our New Executive Director
The Canmore Hospital Foundation was delighted to welcome Kristen Pauch-Nolin as our new Executive Director earlier this spring. Kristen has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years and she brings a deep-rooted understanding of how charitable organizations operate and why they are important. She is an artist and a teacher, as well, and she draws upon her creative skills and her aptitude for learning and sharing knowledge to add further value to her role. She is an incredible leader who values collaboration and the engagement of stakeholders in all projects, big and small.
When asked what she loves most about working in the not-for-profit sector, Kristen says it is “both rewarding and challenging. The biggest advantage and what inspired me to join the Canmore Hospital Foundation is the opportunity to make a real difference in my community.”
One of the Foundation's key pillars is community engagement and involvement. Without our passionate, supportive community, we simply could not generate the impact that we do. To Kristen, community “creates a sense of belonging and purpose.”
“Like being part of a family, being part of a community creates the opportunity to be part of something larger than yourself, participate in initiatives that affect the lives of people you know and solidifies relationships with neighbours/friends. In return, community members receive support, encouragement, and are celebrated as an essential part of a collective,” she explained.
It is no secret that Canmore is a special place and, even more so, a special community. “Beyond the obvious beauty of the landscape, Canmore is populated by diverse and fascinating people,” said Kristen. “There are those with generations of ancestors in the Treaty 7 territory; those whose families are tied to Canmore’s history as a coal town; those that have come to the Bow Valley to embrace outdoor living; those who are new to Canada; and those with expertise or interest in tourism, science, art, the environmental etc. All make a unique and important contribution to this amazing place.”
While she is new to her role, the Foundation’s Executive Director already finds her work to be immensely rewarding. “Providing members of the Canmore and surrounding community with the opportunity to contribute their time, talent, or treasures to the Canmore Hospital Foundation is an enormous privilege,” she shared.
“Canmore General Hospital, like health facilities in many communities, is a hub where community members come to work, visit loved ones, live, and/ or receive care. It would be difficult to find a person in Canmore and the surrounding area who does not have a connection to our Hospital.”
The Canmore Hospital Foundation (legally the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation) was established in 2003 and has raised over $8 million to fund health care in the Bow Valley. This has been made possible through the generosity of our donor community, which includes the people of Cochrane, Stoney First Nation Reserve and west to the British Columbia border.
Over the past several years, the Foundation has supported a number of large-scale projects including enhancing the long-term care facility, new labour and delivery rooms, a refurbished suite for endoscopies, a refurbished wing for cancer care and upgraded palliative care rooms.
When asked why a contribution to the foundation is so important, Kristen explains that as a community, we all know someone who was born at the Canmore General Hospital, someone that lives or lived at Golden Eagle View, or someone who’s received life-saving care in the emergency room. “We understand the impact health care has on our lives and recognize how privileged we are to have such a remarkable facility in our town,” she continued.
“When people give, they make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones. Because of the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is able to assist in the purchase of vital medical equipment, upgrade facilities and support hospital services which all help to build a healthier community.”
Kristen explained that the local community is blessed to have access to such a wonderful community hospital. When it comes to medical needs, we all want to ensure the latest health services are available close to home. “The more we can do to support the provision of care in the Bow Valley, the better off we all are,” she said.
“As the fundraising arm of the Canmore General Hospital, the Foundation’s mission is to support continued improvements to the facilities and services of the hospital, by prudently managing the donations made to the Canmore Hospital Foundation. We work closely with our doctors, nurses and health care teams as well as hospital leadership to ensure donations are directed to the areas of greatest need. By working together with our community partners and generous donors we ultimately enhance patient care.”
The Foundation has some major capital projects on the way. With the completion of the Labour and Delivery and Golden Eagle View projects, we are turning our attention to the emergency room and day surgery facilities that are in need of revitalization.
Kristen explained that “these will not happen without the continued generosity of the Canmore and Surrounding community. Our goal is to ensure residents of and visitors to the Bow Valley quality continue to receive the amazing health care they deserve.”
Speaking to the future of the Canmore Hospital Foundation, Kristen believes that it is “very bright.”
“My experience of Canmore and the surrounding area is that the people here care deeply about one another and about our hospital. They understand, especially now, the essential role that our hospital and healthcare workers play in our community.”