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Donuts & Conversations: Create a Tote Bag of Comfort for Hard Times

Start Time

19:00

End Time

21:00

Date

May 6, 2025

Location

101 Bear Street

Banff Public Library

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About the Event

Join us for donuts, community care, and honest conversations about depression, suicidal ideation and healing. Together, we’ll gently create individual comfort bags — tote bags filled with care and support that you can reach for in hard moments. Items in your bag might include a jar of supportive messages (already prepared for you!), comforting snacks, and small cozy things to turn to in tough moments.

This gathering is for anyone who’s struggled in the past or is currently struggling and would like support in creating something nurturing for themselves. It’s also for anyone who loves someone who’s struggling, or wants to create a comfort bag to give to someone in need.

PARTNER REGISTRATION here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH6yuPQdL1zRaht-x3wF38MzQmroUPjVrELH-r98AtjdH4yw/viewform?usp=sharing

About the Host

One Donut & Conversation at a time, we are on a mission to shape a more empathetic, kind and understanding world.

The Community Helpers Program focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. This program enhances the skillset of natural helpers, providing them with tools and resources to support those struggling with their mental health.

YWCA Banff’s Programs and Services provide a wide range of services for awareness, prevention, and one-on-one support. We support individuals who are experiencing intimate partner violence and their children and clients looking for information and referrals around community resource, support, and housing. All programs are free of charge and confidential and open to all genders.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Chair – Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW)
Term: 2 Years
Location: must live or work in Banff
Start Date: September 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

 

About BMHAW

Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW) is a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness in Banff and Lake Louise. Over the past two years, BMHAW has brought together partners from health, hospitality, community foundations, and residents to foster meaningful conversations and actions around mental health.

As BMHAW enters a potential new phase, the initiative is seeking a committed and community-minded Volunteer Chair to lead the next chapter of this important work.

 

Position Overview: Volunteer Chair

The Chair is a liaison and figurehead role, distinct from day-to-day coordination. Coordination will be done by a paid position. The Chair will guide the initiative strategically while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Note: This role must be independent—not affiliated with the government or any of the governing partner organizations.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Organize and lead Working Group and Program Working Group meetings

  • Ensure all activities align with the Terms of Reference

  • Hire and manage the BMHAW Coordinator on behalf of governing partners

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for BMHAW

  • Foster collaboration among working groups, partners, and community members

  • Manage the BMHAW budget

  • Provide updates (written and/or presentations) to stakeholders

  • Work with governing partners to identify and secure future funding

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven leadership in a community or nonprofit setting

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration

  • Commitment to building mental health awareness

  • Comfortable with light financial oversight and reporting

  • Familiarity with the Bow Valley region is an asset

 

Time Commitment

  • Approx. 8–10 hours/month, with flexibility depending on the phase of the initiative

  • Two-year volunteer term (renewable)

 

Next Steps

We are currently in a restructuring phase, and looking for a new chair by mid-September 2025. When the chair is appointed they will begin the new cycle of BMHAW including onboarding, transfer of key materials (e.g., bank account, website, social media), and hiring a new Coordinator.

 

How to Apply

If you're interested in serving as Chair or want to learn more, please express your interest to the email above bmhaw24@gmail.com.

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Join us in shaping the future of mental health awareness in the Bow Valley.

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