TORONTO — Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association (BLLHA) and the Banff Canmore Community Foundation, have launched the David M. Bayne Legacy Fund in honour of a beloved long-time hotelier at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise who passed away on Mar. 10, 2022. Bayne was also recognized as a trusted collaborator by Parks Canada and served on the Travel Alberta Board of Directors from 2009 until 2013.
The fund marks a 10-year commitment to support aspiring post-secondary students in their pursuit of hospitality, culinary or tourism education. Bursaries of $5,000 each will be granted to a minimum of four students per year on an annual basis over a 10-year period, with the ultimate goal of awarding 42 students in total – a symbolic tribute to Bayne’s 42-year career with Canadian Pacific Hotels and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, the program will include a hospitality-mentorship program in Banff National Park, encouraging local industry leaders to follow in Bayne’s footsteps by providing guidance to the next generation of industry talent.
Early financial commitments have been received from the owners of the Fairmont Western Mountain Region Properties, Sunshine Village and the Scurfield family, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola, Brewster Stables and others. Together, these partners have secured an initial amount of $92,000, with a goal to fundraise $250,000 by the end of 2023 via corporate and individual pledges. They will also hold a charitable golf tournament at the Fairmont Banff Springs on May 25, 2023.
“I had the privilege of working alongside David for many years. Whether he was meeting kings, politicians, celebrities or one of the many guests of the hotels, David was always an exceptional role model for both his peers and his colleagues. He had a remarkable ability to identify talent, and nurture potential within his team. This fund will continue his legacy of mentorship among the tourism industry’s next generation of rising stars,” says Heather McCrory, CEO, North & Central America, Accor.
“During his tenure with both Canadian Pacific Hotels and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, David travelled internationally promoting the Canadian Rockies and tourism in Canada with humour and humanity,” says Wanda Bogdane, executive director, Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association. “We are honoured to support this important initiative and hope that it will make a difference in the lives of many young people through building a connection to a place that David cherished.”
