For nearly 100 years, the YWCA of Banff has been the leading resource for women and their families fleeing from the terror of domestic violence, and for those in need of safe, affordable housing.
The Banff YWCA undertakes several programs and community and fundraising events each year. They all share the common goal of helping to build a healthier community.
We'd love you to be a part of what we've got going on. For information on our Community Programs please Click Here. For more information on our Community and Fundraising Events, please Click Here.
YWCA of Banff Events
Children's Easter Party
- April each year
The YWCA of Banff hosts this free community event for children, their families, and visitors to the Bow Valley. During Easter, there are crafts, games, an Easter egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter Bunny!
Week Without Violence
- October (during) each year
From October 17th to 23rd we are challenging the residents of the Bow Valley to think about what it would take to live even for just one Week Without Violence.
How different would your life be if you could live it free from fear? Think about it. Are you one of the many people who know what it’s like to feel fear – at school, at work, on the street or at home? Are there alternatives? We think so.
The YWCA of Banff is hosting one week of activities and events for women, men, children, youth and families. For a full calendar of events Click Here.
Children's Halloween Party
- October (during) each year
The YWCA of Banff hosts this free community events for children, their families, and visitors to the Bow Valley. At Halloween, there are crafts, games, sweet treats and a Haunted House complete with Dracula, witches and other ghostly creatures! Everyone welcome! If you'd like to volunteer and help out with the witchery, contact the YWCA Community Resource Centre on 403 760 3200.
Red Rose Button/White Ribbon Campaign
- November / December each year
The Red Rose Button/White Ribbon Campaign is committed to ending violence against women. Wearing a rose button (women) or white ribbon (men) shows a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Pick up your roses and ribbons from the YWCA Community Resource Centre today.
National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women
- December each year
December 6th is a day to remember not only the 14 young women who were killed at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique, but all women who have died as a result of violence. It is a day for Canadians to reflect and work towards ensuring the safety of women and girls in their communities.
Annual Mentoring Luncheon in Celebration of International Women's Day
- March each year
Held in celebration of International Women's Day, this annual mentoring event is hosted by the YWCA of Banff and the Banff Community High School and is designed to connect eager female high school students with dynamic women in the Bow Valley Community.
Annual Safe House (Christmas) Campaign
- November / December / January / February each year
Every year the YWCA of Banff delivers over $150,000 in violence prevention work in the Bow Valley. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about the issues that surround domestic violence and donations to the Safe House Campaign help the YWCA of Banff provide support for women and their children fleeing violent relationships, urgently needed crisis intervention as well as prevention and education programs working to end violence in our communities. Look out for donation tins around Banff and Canmore and check out the local media for news of special events taking place to support the Campaign. To make an online donation to the Campaign, please click here.
Annual Art Show in Celebration of International Women's Day
- March each year
In honour of International Women's Day we are delighted to be working with the Banff Public Library on an Art Show that runs from the 1st to the 31st March 2009. "Global Women Bridging the Gap" features art work by several local women working in a variety of mediums. Everyone is invited to attend the Opening reception on Saturday March 6th from 7-9pm at the Banff Public Library.
The Local Lowdown
- All Year Round
The Local Lowdown is a guide for 18 to 35 year olds that are new to the Bow Valley Community. While this resource is aimed at the young service industry worker, there is plenty of useful information for visitors of all ages. Specific information in the Local Lowdown includes maps, finding accommodation, job hunting, outdoor pursuits, arts and culture, having fun on a tight budget, sexual health, mental health and how to enjoy and stay safe around the wildlife in Banff National Park.
Check out the English and French editions:
English (PDF 5mb) - click here
French (PDF 5mb) - click here
YWCA of Banff Programs
Lady Beware
This is a hands-on self defense class for women, which is facilitated by local martial arts expert, Don Lee. Awareness and prevention are keys to your safety. Call the CRC to find out more (small fee may apply).
Wellness Workshops
The YWCA of Banff works in collaboration wtih local helping agencies to provide wellness workshops for Human Resources Departments in the Bow Valley.
Healthy Relationships for Men and Women Group Program
In February 2006, as an integral part of the YWCA of Banff's family violence prevention programming, the YWCA of Banff began offering the group program: Men and Women in Healthy Relationships. This program was originally developed and delivered as a pilot project to address the need for subsidized family violence prevention and relationship counselling in the Bow Valley. Developed in consultation with various community partners and based on similar programs offered in the Calgary area, this 12-week program was designed to help individuals learn healthier communication skills, create healthier relationships, and change the way they deal with and view relationships.
The YWCA of Banff offers a special thanks to the following collaborative community partners: Alberta Mental Health, Banff Public Health, Banff Family and Community Support Services, Woods Homes, Banff RCMP, Bow Valley Victim Services, Alberta Child and Family Services, Alberta Social Services, Alberta Justice (Probations) and the local AADAC office. Enlisting the support and involvement of a cross section of community stakeholders is important for this program's sustainability in the long term.
"The group helped me start thinking of new ways to approach relationships and to think more positively toward myself and others." - Anonymous male participant.
High School Student Workshops -
CALM
Each year the YWCA of Banff is invited in by local schools and presents multiple sessions to high school students on domestic violence and on gender roles. The sessions are part of CALM - Career and Life Management – a high school course, typically attended in grade 10 or 11, and successful completion is required for high school graduation in Alberta.
Girl's Circle / Boys Council
Girl's Circle and Boys' Council are new programs designed for Banff and Canmore girls and boys aged 9 years old. The programs provide a safe and fun environment for the children to explore the social issues they face in their daily lives with the purpose of developing healthy interpersonal and communication skills.
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