Canmore Hospital Foundation

04/24/2026

Today, during National Volunteers Week, we’re taking a moment to recognize something that’s impossible to measure, but felt in every corner of our hospital and community.

To our incredible volunteers, thank you.

There are so many ways to give, and while we are endlessly grateful for the generosity of our donors, we are just as deeply moved by the gifts that don’t come with a dollar amount. The time you give. The care you show. The presence you bring.

From the friendly faces in the tuck shop, to the dedication of the Canmore Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary. From the volunteers guiding patients and families through the hospital, to those tending to our gardens. From the wagging tails in the volunteer dog program to the quiet, meaningful moments shared with patients and residents, offering companionship, comfort, and a simple smile.

These acts matter more than words can capture.

You are part of what makes care here feel different. More personal. More compassionate. More human.

Behind the scenes, the Canmore Hospital Foundation is supported by an extraordinary group of individuals who give their time so selflessly, and it shows in every interaction, every gesture, every moment of connection.

While one week could never be enough to thank you, we hope you feel just how valued you are, not only today, but every single day.

Because of you, our community is stronger, kinder, and better cared for.

04/03/2026

In 2025, a shared vision for women’s health care in the Bow Valley became a reality. It began with our first-ever Sisterhood Summit, where over 130 of you joined us to celebrate and elevate the standard of care available to women in our community. That day was a turning point, sparking an ongoing movement and a renewed focus on women’s health that continues to grow.

Because of this incredible energy, the Foundation was able to fund several priority items for the hospital, including advanced surgical towers, specialty operating tables, and new birthing beds.

This event was made possible by our amazing event sponsors and supporters, including Level III NDT Inc. and the Canmore Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary, as well as wonderful community partners like BOWDA, who stepped forward following the event to support the cause. These enhancements are more than just new equipment; they represent safer procedures and more comfortable experiences for patients right here at home.

With the launch of the Women’s Health Circle, this commitment to local care has become a permanent part of our mission. To everyone who attended, volunteered, or donated: thank you for ensuring that exceptional women’s health care is always a priority in our community.

03/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming Andrew Abbott to the Canmore Hospital Foundation Board of Directors!

Andrew brings decades of leadership experience in the investment and capital markets sector, including more than 25 years as an institutional equity trader and as a co-founder of Calgary-based Tristone Capital. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep understanding of finance, governance, and strategic growth, experience he now brings to community organizations and causes he cares about.

But Andrew’s connection to the Bow Valley goes far beyond business.

“My family moved to Calgary in 1968, and we spent as much time as we could in the mountains hiking, skiing, and biking,” he shares. “Originally my wife Carolyne and I rented in the Bow Valley before buying a second home in Canmore in 2007. In 2013 we made Canmore our permanent home.”

Today, Andrew and Carolyne can often be found cycling on local trails or walking their black Labrador, Java. Andrew has also been deeply involved in volunteer leadership for decades, from serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces College Foundation to volunteering with the Calgary Stampede and Canadian ski racing. In 2022, he was named Honoured Volunteer by the Canadian Rockies Ski Hall of Fame.

Andrew’s decision to join the Canmore Hospital Foundation Board was rooted in his belief that strong local healthcare is essential to a thriving mountain community.

“Canmore is a rapidly growing community, and residents should have an excellent health care facility providing quality care,” he says. “As the gateway to the mountains, we need a hospital that can handle both everyday care and complex trauma situations.”

Having recently undergone knee replacement surgery himself, Andrew also experienced the hospital from the patient's perspective.

“The level of care was exceptional. The staff were always friendly and smiling, and they took pride in their work. Small-town community health care with a smile – we need to preserve and promote that.”

Andrew says he's looking forward to actively contributing to the Foundation’s work. “My philosophy when joining a board is to actively participate and contribute. You can sit on a board, or you can serve. I intend to serve.”

We're grateful to have Andrew’s experience, leadership, and passion for community supporting the future of healthcare in the Bow Valley.

Welcome to the board, Andrew!

03/16/2026

The Canmore Hospital is more than a building; it’s where the people in our community turn to in their most significant health crisis.

Last year, that meant 16,407 emergency visits and 1,134 inpatient stays for patients from across the Bow Valley and beyond. We also saw a record-breaking year for home care, with 445 patients receiving support in the comfort of their own homes—the highest caseload on record.

These numbers tell a story of a community that deeply trusts its local health care.

Because of our donors, the hospital and its staff are better equipped to meet these needs, from supporting 1,193 surgical procedures to welcoming 239 newborns into the world last year.

Thanks to the generosity of all of our donors and supporters, the Canmore Hospital has the specialized tools and enhancements that make this care possible. We are so grateful to be building this future with you.

Thank you.

03/13/2026

The last minute has officially arrived. Early-bird pricing for our annual Charity Golf Tournament officially ends on March 15th.

Don't miss out on the chance to join us on Friday, June 19th, for a fantastic day of golf and community at Silvertip. Your registration includes your green fees, cart, breakfast, lunch, and a full dinner reception to wrap up the day.

Whether you’re playing with a team or golfing solo, register now to lock in the early bird rate before it’s gone. We can't wait to see you there!

Learn more and register now:
https://www.canmorehospitalfoundation.com/events/22nd-annual-canmore-hospital-foundation-charity-golf-tournament

03/10/2026

We want to share a big thank you to our friends at the Heart Mountain Exshaw Legion Br. 179 for their recent donation to the Canmore Hospital Foundation.

Executive Director, Renee Krysko, recently met with Art Bernauer, Exshaw Legion Vice President, to accept the cheque and celebrate this wonderful community support. These funds support the Cancer Care program, which helps remove barriers for patients and families by providing comfort and supportive care during treatment.

The Exshaw Legion has been a long-time supporter of local health care, and we are so grateful for their continued partnership. Thank you for helping us surround our patients with compassion and care close to home.

03/09/2026

It may still feel like winter, but June will be here before we know it!

Early-bird pricing for the 22nd annual Pestell Family Canmore Hospital Foundation Charity Golf Tournament ends March 15th. Now is the time to act.

Spend a beautiful June day at one of the most stunning courses imaginable, Silvertip Golf Resort. Share a laugh, build community spirit and help keep healthcare close to home.

Register today! Early bird pricing only lasts until March 15th, so make sure you don't miss your opportunity to register before prices increase.

Learn more & register here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-pestell-family-canmore-hospital-foundation-charity-golf-tournament-2026-tickets-1981902842754

03/04/2026

Join the Taste & Tour in support of Canmore Hospital

We’re excited to share this unique fundraising event hosted by Spring Creek Resorts in support of the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

The CHLA Taste & Tour on March 19 is a guided foodie walking experience beginning at 6:00 PM at the Canmore Opera House, featuring chef-inspired bites and paired beverages throughout the Spring Creek neighbourhood.

All proceeds support the Ladies Auxiliary and their ongoing impact on health care at Canmore General Hospital and across the Bow Valley.

Get your tickets before they sell out. Click here: https://www.canmorehospitalfoundation.com/events/chla-taste-tour-fundraiser

Spring Creek Canmore Canmore Hospital Ladies' Auxiliary

Spring Creek Resorts is proud to host the CHLA Taste & Tour Fundraiser in support of the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary (CHLA), a dedicated and passionate group of community members who work alongside the Canmore Hospital Foundation to strengthen local healthcare. This guided foodie walk

02/27/2026

February is Recreation Therapy Month, and we are honoured to share Rhea’s story.

Rhea, Life Enrichment Manager at Origin at Spring Creek, returned to school to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with support from scholarships funded by the Canmore Hospital Foundation and the Ladies Auxiliary. Origin at Spring Creek, longtime friends and supporters of the Foundation, continues to help strengthen care across our community.

With more than 15 years of experience, Rhea uses recreation, leisure, and play as tools to support independence, well-being, and meaningful connection. Recreation Therapy is about far more than activities. It is about helping individuals living with illness or disability experience purpose, creativity, and joy.

When asked about the best moment in her career, she remembered a woman holding a silk scarf her husband had made after his stroke. It was the first gift he had given her in over ten years. A simple recreation program became a moment of dignity, love, and reconnection.

This is the impact of investing in people. When we support education and professional growth, we strengthen care. We create space for moments that matter.

We are proud to support professionals like Rhea and community partners like Origin who help adults age with independence, compassion, and enrichment. Watch the full story, co-created with Kristy Wolfe, now: http://www.canmorehospitalfoundation.com/stories/video-digital-story-by-rhea

Kristy Wolfe Stories Origin at Spring Creek

Digital Story co-created with Kristy Wolfe. Rhea shares her experience about receiving scholarships from the Canmore Hospital Foundation.

02/26/2026

Today, we’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our friends and longtime supporters at Bow Valley Credit Union for being part of our Women’s Health Circle.

Through their support, funds are going directly toward women’s health initiatives at Canmore General Hospital. This is the kind of partnership that creates real, tangible improvements in care for women in our community.

We’re grateful for Bow Valley Credit Union’s continued commitment to local healthcare and to the well-being of the Bow Valley. Thank you!

02/06/2026

Back in December, we welcomed Renée Krysko as the Canmore Hospital Foundation’s new Executive Director. Today, we’re excited to share more of Renée’s story.

Renée’s journey has taken her from education and conservation work to building strong, community-driven organizations, but at the heart of it all has always been people, purpose, and growth done with care. Now, she’s bringing that same passion home to Canmore, helping strengthen the Foundation and support the hospital that sits at the center of our community.

From her love of building teams to her deep belief in the power of giving (at every level), Renée’s story is one of connection, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Read the full interview and get to know the person and the story behind the role.

When Renée Krysko stepped into the role of Executive Director of the Canmore Hospital Foundation in December, she brought a career shaped by growth, storytelling, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. From university curriculum redesign to international adventure, conservation fundra