Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund
Bow Valley community rallies to raise over $460,000 to support Jasper through the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund
Within weeks of wildfire sweeping through the town of Jasper, the Bow Valley community has raised over $460,000 through the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund. The Fund, which was established at Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) just hours after the fire reached the town, will provide financial assistance to those impacted by the fire.
“Mountain communities are deeply connected. We have so much in common with Jasperites, and the devastating losses from the fires strike Bow Valley people on a very personal level. The Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund allows our communities to respond in a way that reflects all that we share.”
- Laurie Edward
BCF Executive Director
Within the first 5 days, donors had contributed $100,000 to the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund. Soon thereafter, Calgary Foundation pledged to match the next $100,000 raised as well as cover the costs of administering the Fund. As of August 23, 2024, more than 700 individual donations have been received from within the Bow Valley and beyond. Significant contributions have come from local businesses, including Brewster's Golf Kananaskis Ranch, Canada House Gallery, and Big Bear Trading Company.
“The Jasper fire has prompted many Bow Valley people to think about what it means to live in and be part of a mountain community,” says Edward. “This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of our strength and resilience.”
BCF is committed to flowing every dollar raised through the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund to individuals impacted by the fire. Although the wildfire recovery process will take time, the goal of the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund is to provide support right away, working in collaboration with Jasper Community Team Society (JCTS )and the municipality of Jasper.
BCF is working day by day, week by week with our partner on the ground, JCTS, to build-up local non-profit capacity and flow funds where they are needed most. With the support of JCTS, Recovery Outreach Workers at the Municipality of Jasper have begun allocating money raised through BCF to individuals and families most in need of support right now.
As one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada, BCF helps flow charitable funds to where they’re needed most, when they’re needed. Thanks to core support from partners and donors, BCF is able to work collaboratively and with agility to activate community in response to emerging priorities.