May 2, 2022
Kristen Pauch-Nolin, executive director, Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation, brings many years of non-profit management and leadership to her role at the foundation. Her lifelong connection to health and wellness inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare philanthropy. Photo by Leah Hennel.
Story by Amelia Schofield | Photo by Leah Hennel
Alberta Health Services recognizes May as Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for healthcare across the province.
The Faces of the Foundations profile series will introduce you to individuals who lead healthcare philanthropy across Alberta. This week, we are pleased to profile Kristen Pauch-Nolin, executive director of the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation.
Why did you get involved with the Canmore and Area Health Foundation?
I have a master’s degree in fine arts, but have worked in the non-profit world my entire professional career. Rather than pursuing life as a working, practising artist, I leaned in to the admin side of non-profit management. I’ve spent the majority of my career working with arts-focused organizations but have had a lifelong connection to healthcare.
My mother is a nurse and I worked with her at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children in Winnipeg for several years. While working there, my love of the arts and service to others grew. At the hospital, I worked as a nurse’s aide and then in the children’s day program. In both areas, I witnessed the interaction with arts and health. I have also spent significant time in hospital with my children, which inspired me to think about a career move into the health sector.
The opportunity came forward to work with the foundation, and I felt that I could apply my years of experience in non-profit management and leadership to the position. As executive director, I can apply my skills in a new capacity while exploring an area that I’ve had a longtime interest in.
Why is philanthropy important to you?
Philanthropy is important to me because I find it to be very fulfilling. It’s about providing an opportunity for someone who is community-minded and cares about the same thing you do to contribute something meaningful. Sometimes, that’s monetary donations, sometimes service, sometimes gifts in kind or even ideas. As a fundraiser, you’re really a facilitator and a connector between good causes, good work and the people who are looking for ways to get involved.
What are some of the foundation’s accomplishments of which you’re most proud?
The foundation recently finished funding the largest capital upgrade in its history. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation provided $1.5 million to fully renovate the Golden Eagle View continuing care unit at the Canmore General Hospital. Shortly before this project, the foundation also supported the addition of two labour and delivery rooms and updates to the Bow Valley Community Cancer Centre at the Hospital.
This past year, we also purchased more than $300,000 in medical equipment — and we continue to work with our partners at Alberta Health Services on upcoming projects.
What initiatives are coming up at the foundation?
There are many exciting initiatives taking place in support of the foundation. We recently partnered with the Canmore Museum to celebrate World Health Day (April 7). Throughout the month of April, the museum displayed exhibits to showcase the history of healthcare in the Bow Valley. We also recently partnered with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, who donated part of the ticket proceeds from the Calgary Hitmen hockey game on April 10 to the foundation. We’re also looking forward to hosting the foundation’s 18th annual golf fundraiser on June 9.
How can Albertans support the foundation?
Our foundation focuses on four key areas — we support equipment purchases at the Canmore General Hospital, facility upgrades, community-based health programming in the Bow Valley and, lastly, we have an endowment.
I would encourage a potential supporter to think about the time, treasure or talent they could contribute toward one of those four things. If they want to volunteer, donate, discuss some great fundraising ideas or partner with us on something, we’re open to all sorts of engagements and collaborations.
For more information on the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation, visit canmorehealthfoundation.com.
