Local people.
Lasting impact.

More than $1,000,000 raised for Elk Valley communities since 2014.

Putting community first.

The Bearspaw Contracting Community First Society was founded in 2013 by Ian Benson and Len Gostick with a simple belief:

Strong communities are built when people look after one another.

The Bearspaw Contracting Community First Society supports healthcare, social services and community programs that make the Elk Valley a stronger, healthier and more connected place to live.

Created to support the communities where Bearspaw employees live, work and raise their families, the Society exists to address critical needs throughout the Elk Valley and surrounding region. Through fundraising events, community partnerships and the generosity of local businesses and residents, the Society has raised more than $1 million in support of healthcare, social services and community initiatives.

Over the years, funding has helped support projects including medical evacuation infrastructure, palliative care services, community recreation, Angel Flight East Kootenay and programs serving women, children and families across the Elk Valley.

Everything we do is guided by one principle: putting community first. By investing in local solutions and supporting local organizations, we are helping build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities for generations to come.

Where your support goes

Our initiatives

Musicians on stage at a Community First Society fundraising dinner

Angel Flight East Kootenay

Angel Flight East Kootenay was founded in April 2019 by Brent Bidston and is an entirely volunteer-led charitable organization with no paid employees. Our mission is to fly residents from the Kootenays to treatment centres in Kelowna, for free! Each flight is planned based on the individual requirements of the client, their appointment times and time necessary to get to and from the treatment facility.

Guests bidding at a Community First Society fundraising auction

Elkford Women’s Task Force

The Elkford Women's Task Force Society is a charitable, non-profit, that has been providing services to women, children and families in the Elk Valley Since 1991. We are the administration society to programs including Child and Youth Mental Health Outreach Program, Elk Valley Women's Transition House, Elk Valley PEACE Program, Elk Valley HPP Shelter Assistance for Woman, Elkford Play School, Elkford Childcare Centre and the Elkford Early Years Committee.