our story
Every opportunity starts with belief.
Turning Potential into Possibility
A message from our founder
When I founded the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation in 2006, it was driven by a simple belief: pay it forward. As a young athlete in the Elk Valley, I experienced firsthand how opportunity can shape a life and made a commitment to myself and my community to give back. What began as a personal commitment has grown into a community-wide effort to unlock potential across sport, arts, and education.
As we enter our 20th year, we are proud to have supported youth in every corner of the Elk Valley, in partnership with families, schools and more than 80 community organizations. Our impact isn’t measured in medals or scholarships, but in moments where a young person took the next step towards their potential because the community showed up for them.
Every dollar raised stays here, helping build confidence, connection and possibility. And as we look to the future, our vision is to grow alongside the needs of our youth, removing barriers and expanding access to ensure no opportunity is out of reach. Thank you for being part of our community, together we are shaping potential and lifting up our youth.
— Emily
Where It Began
Our story started with a single act of generosity when financial barriers stood in the way of Emily Brydon’s promising ski career. Following the loss of her father to cancer, Emily thought her skiing career was over. A Fernie family stepped in and provided a $10,000 gift that changed everything. This act of generosity eventually led to her becoming one of the most decorated alpine skiers in Canadian history, competing in 3 Olympic Games and earning 9 World Cup medals.
Growing up in a community that supported her at every turn, Emily saw first hand the power of a community and how one opened door can lead to a life far beyond the most wildest dreams – the ripple effect of one act of kindness goes far and wide. In 2006, she founded the EBYF to ensure that passion and ambition are never limited by financial circumstance.
Growing Into a Community Foundation
The Emily Brydon Youth Foundation has evolved alongside the needs of the Elk Valley, growing from Emily’s personal commitment into a cornerstone of community support. From the beginning we recognized that financial barriers affect youth across so many areas where they have potential, ambition and big dreams. Our vision was that financial barriers wouldn’t stand in the way. Together, with over 80 organizations, families and schools we work to ensure that when a child has the drive to pursue a dream in the arts, education, or sport they have the means to reach it.
Our Impact Today
For almost 20 years, we have focused on removing the practical hurdles that stand in the way of potential. With over a million invested back into the heart of the valley, our impact is measured in “opportunities unlocked”—moments where a young person is able to participate, continue, or grow because support was available when it mattered most. We don’t just fund programs; we provide the access youth need to build confidence and a sense of belonging in their own community.
Looking Ahead
As the needs of youth continue to evolve, so does the work of the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation.
Looking forward, the foundation remains committed to:
- Expanding access to opportunity
- Strengthening partnerships across the Elk Valley
- Supporting youth in ways that reflect today’s realities and tomorrow’s possibilities
The foundation’s story is still being written — shaped by the young people it supports, the community that stands behind them, and the shared belief that when barriers are removed, potential can flourish.
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Be Part of The Journey
Youth in the Elk Valley are chasing big dreams — and you can follow every step. Join our newsletter for heart-felt stories, program launches, and opportunities to get involved.