Since 2012, the Bow Valley Elves have been coordinating with the high school students and the community at large to connect with seniors at Christmas time.

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With your gift giving, the Bow Valley Elves were able to distribute over 300 presents to our community seniors and the Eagles Nest Stoney Family Shelter. Thank you to the Students of Canmore Collegiate High School and all the Elves working in the background that help make this happen.

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How the Program Works

 

The Bow Valley Elves Program is an integral part of the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit campaign, dedicated to bringing joy and holiday cheer to seniors and families in need throughout Canmore and the MD of Bighorn. Here’s how it works:

 

1. Collecting Gift Wishes: The Bow Valley Elves reach out to seniors across the Bow Valley and families at the Eagles Nest Stoney Family Shelter to gather their holiday gift wishes. These wishes range from practical needs to items that bring joy during the holiday season.
    

2. Gift Tags on Christmas Trees: Starting November 12, the Elves place gift tags—each representing a gift wish. Each tag includes details about a recipient’s wish, allowing members of the community to get involved in the spirit of giving. Bow Valley Elves Trees and Gift Tags can be found at:

   • Rusticana Grocery

   • Coast Hotel

   • High School (for students and staff only)
      

3. Choosing a Gift Tag: Community members are invited to visit one of these locations, choose a gift tag from the tree, and purchase the requested gift. After purchasing the gift, participants wrap it and return it to Rusticana Grocery before December 10.
    

4. Gift Delivery: In early December, Canmore High School Students and volunteers deliver the gifts to recipients, spreading the spirit of giving and connection throughout the community.

 

Through this program, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those who may be isolated or facing financial challenges—feels valued and included during the holiday season.

 

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How You Can Get Involved

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Join the Bow Valley Elves Program and help make this holiday season magical for those in need. Here’s how you can get involved:

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1. Choose a gift tag from one of the Bow Valley Elves Trees and purchase a gift for a Bow Valley Senior or family at the Eagles Next Stoney Family Shelter.
    

2. Donate: Even if you’re not able to purchase a gift, your financial contributions make a significant difference. Your donations help purchase any unclaimed gift tags to ensure every gift wish is fulfilled. Every dollar raised goes directly towards making the holidays brighter for those in need.
   
   
   
    

3. Spread the Word: Help us grow the Bow Valley Elves community! Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage others to get involved. The more Elves we have, the more joy we can spread across the Bow Valley.

 

Make this holiday season special for those in our community by becoming an Elf, donating, or spreading the word. Together, we can make sure everyone in Canmore and the MD of Bighorn feels the magic of the holidays.

 

Visit Bow Valley Elves on Facebook

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"For those on fixed incomes, Christmas can be a stressful time; extra expenses, but no extra money. Receiving a lovely gift is a real blessing and warms the heart knowing there are caring, generous folks in our community. Thank you!"

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"to the bow valley elves, thanx for making my xmas bright, may god bless you all”

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"This was the best Christmas I have had in my whole life.”