Services in Your Community

Bow Valley Canadian Tire JumpStart
This national charitable program helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation. JumpStart helps cover registration, equipment and transportation fees. 403.762.1126.

Bow Valley KidSport
KidSport believes that no kid should be left on the sidelines, and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sports. 403.762.1126.

Affordability Guide
This one-stop document covers everything from housing to child care, things to do on a budget to buying household goods. Pick up your copy from Banff Town Hall, the Public Library or visit banff.ca/affordability.

Banff Access Program
The Banff Access Program provides qualified low-income applicants with discounts on community services and products. Banff.ca/access

Banff Food Bank
The Food Bank provides food to individuals in need once per month, up to 6 times per year. Located at 455 Cougar Street, the back door of the Banff Park Church. ID and registration is required, and families must book an appointment banff.food.bank@gmail.com. Open Tuesdays:12 – 1 p.m. Closed July & August.

Banff Food Rescue
Every day, volunteers collect food that would otherwise be thrown away: bread, fruit and vegetables, milk, juice and more. Check out Banff Food Rescue on Facebook for most up-to-date hours and distribution points.

Santas Anonymous
Santa's Anonymous is a community-based program in Banff and Lake Louise that helps seniors in need over the holiday season. The program starts in early November. To volunteer, make a financial donation, or apply for a hamper, visit santasanonymousbll.ca

Greenhouse Gardening Society
This society operates community greenhouses within the Town of Banff. Plots are in high demand and are issued on a lottery basis, granting each winner a two-year tenure. The lottery opens for a month in mid-February, with orientations taking place at the beginning of April. To volunteer, or for more information, email banffgreenhouse@gmail.com.

Family Resource Network
Family Resource Networks (FRNs) deliver prevention and early intervention services and supports for families with children aged 0 – 18. The Town of Banff, Town of Canmore and Closer to Home work together to provide services and programs for Bow Valley residents. The Town of Banff’s services will have a focus on caregiver education and capacity building, coordinating social connection, child development and wellbeing and offerings in collaboration with other partners. Learn more at banff.ca/frn

Money Management

Income Tax Preparation
Did you know in Canada everybody needs to file their taxes? If not you will miss out on Canada Child Tax Benefit, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Working Income Tax Benefit & GST/HST credits and the many other Federal & Provincial rebates and income supports. This can amount to thousands more dollars in your pocket. If you are unable to prepare your income tax benefit return yourself, the Town may be able to help. Community volunteers assist eligible Banff taxpayers who have low income and simple tax situations.

For details contact Banff/Lake Louise: 403.762.1251 or Canmore/MD Bighorn: 403. 678.7129.

Free Online Financial Courses
It’s never too late to refresh and reboot your finances. Money Mentors is a not-for-profit money management company offering a number of online courses, such as:

Budget Boot Camp
Credit-Cross Training
Break the Cycle: Spend Less and Save More
R & R in Retirement
Tackle Debt
Enrich Your Kids
Holiday Spending Treadmill

To access these courses and lots of tips and tools visit moneymentors.ca/resources.

Evening & Weekend Resources

2-1-1 Alberta
Call 2-1-1 to speak to an information and referral specialist who can help you find community and social services. You can also visit ab.211.ca to search the online community resource directory, or chat online with a 2-1-1 representative from noon – 8 p.m. daily.

Alberta Health Link
Alberta Health Link has nurses on staff 24/7 providing advice and general health information for Albertans. Call 1.866.408.5465 for information on diseases, treatments, staying well, and area healthcare services.

Alberta Works
Income support provides financial assistance to Albertans who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter. Call 1.866.644.5135 for details.

Distress Line
The Canadian Mental Health Association will listen and help you find local services. If all you want is someone to talk to, they are here to listen. The number is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are in distress and require support, intervention and/or information and referral services. Call 1.888.787.2880.

Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse/Violence
A sexual assault crisis and education service provider for Calgary and surrounding areas. Call the 24-hour line at 1.877.237.5888.

Bow Valley Women's Emergency Shelter
After hours call 403.762.3560.

Bow Valley Victim Services
For victims of crime and trauma call 403.760.0197.

Urgent Mental Health Services
Offers mental health support on a walk-in basis. This service provides psycho-social assessments and support on an outpatient basis. Urgent mental health services are available with no appointment through the emergency department. Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. Seven days a week, 2 – 9 p.m.

Kids Help Phone
Safe, private, and non-judgmental services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1.800.668.6868.