ABOUT RECREATION FOUNDATION OF BC
We help give funding to those who need it most.
For over 30 years, the Recreation Foundation of BC has been committed to investing in the future of recreation, parks, environmentalism, and culture by empowering students and non-profit organizations with scholarships and grants.
The Foundation was originally established in the 1980s with the purpose of receiving, investing, and administering donations to fund the activities of the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). In 2007, the Foundation changed its name from the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Foundation to The Recreation Foundation of British Columbia. Here, we developed a new and broader purpose with the encouragement of the BCRPA. This allowed us to raise funds for the Association alongside other non-profit organizations involved in the delivery of services in the broad field of parks, recreation, and culture.
the purpose & legacy of our foundation.
The purpose of the Foundation is to advance parks, recreation, culture, health, and the environment in British Columbia by gathering charitable donations. These donations are used towards the funding of activities of not-for-profit volunteer and educational organizations in British Columbia through grants and scholarships. When you choose to support the RFBC, you are choosing to support a lasting legacy of recreation, environmentalism, and general health for your community.
Over $130,000 generated for BCRPA initiatives.
Foundation volunteers have participated in several activities over the years, generating over $130,000 for BCRPA initiatives. With more than 40 years of funding, experience, and knowledge, we are committed to continuing our growth and raising awareness for recreation, parks, environmentalism, culture, and other crucial areas that deserve attention and funding.
The RFBC raises awareness and funding for recreation and other important areas through programs such as annual golf tournaments, live and silent auctions, and networking opportunities for parks and recreation administrators. In 1999, the Foundation established an endowment fund that now exceeds over $500,000 and is intended to further support the BCRPA.
You may support the Foundation by donating through the United Way, The Vancouver Foundation, or by contacting the RFBC directly. We appreciate your support!
Administration
The Foundation is able to run smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of our administrative team.
Dominique MacDonald
admin@recreationfoundationbc.ca
Tom Watson
director@recreationfoundationbc.ca
GOVERNANCE
In the 30+ years since its establishment, the Board of Directors for the RFBC has included several highly respected volunteers and practitioners. It is the tireless energy and enthusiasm of the current and past board members that has allowed the Foundation to develop and successfully implement its fundraising programs and initiatives.
Though the Foundation’s leadership has recently changed, it still includes professionals with extensive experience in the field of parks, recreation, and culture.
The current RFBC Board of Directors includes:
Serena Lusk, Director
General Manager, Community Services, City of Richmond
Lauren Cavan, Via-Chair
General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, City of Surrey
Danielle Pope
Director of Recreation, City of Marple Ridge
Gerry De Cicco, Director
Director, Sport Services Richmond Olympic Oval
Stephen Slawuta, Director
Partner, RC Strategies.
Craig Nagai, Director
Sales, Centaur Products Inc.
Dan Nielsen, Director
Manager of Landscape Operations & Park Partnerships, City of Surrey
Tom Osborne, Director
General Manager of Recreation and Park Services, Regional District of Nanaimo
Vacant Director Position
Subcommittees
Our subcommittees are comprised of the following talented and hard-working volunteers:
Finance – Serena Lusk & Tom Osborne
Harrison – Dave Ellenwood, Dan Nielson & Laurie Cavan
RecreOpen – Craig Nagai & Gerry De Cicco
Scholarships – Danielle Pope, Dan Nielson & Craig Nagai
Grants – Danielle Pope, Gerry De Cicco & Tom Osborne
Sponsorship and Partnership – Laurie Cavan, Gerry De Cicco, Steve Slawuta & Craig Nagai
Marketing and Communications – Danielle Pope & Steve Slawuta
Previous Board Members (Alphabetical Order)
- Al Argent
- Barry Becker
- Barry Elliott
- Bob Kusch
- Bob Vaughan
- Bonnie Rapaport
- Cathy Matheson
- Doug Brimacombe
- Doug Perks
- Ernie Mansueti
- Fay Baker
- Gary Young
- Greg Eng
- Jan Vetter
- Kevin Pike
- Kurt Houlden
- Laurie Collicutt
- Mike Brow
- Mike Murray
- Peggy Follis
- Patti Hunter
- Ray Herman
- Rick Orner
- Stan Batt
- Wendy McCormick
The RFBC is grateful for the participation and involvement of these individuals.
Our Amazing Volunteers.
In addition to the time and commitment of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, we have enjoyed the support of many individuals who donate their time through volunteer efforts. These individuals provide assistance to the RFBC through our fundraising activities. These activities include the RecreOPEN Golf Tournament, our Parks and Recreation Senior Administrators Workshop, the Friends of the Foundation, and numerous other events.
Virtual Harrison 2022
Brian Johnston
Heather Turner
Lori Bowie
RecreOpen 2022
Al Bushby
Allyison McDongall
Barb Kurucz
Barry Elliot
Bob Vaughn
Donna Reeddy
Marc Kurucz
Martin Wright
Val Nielson
Vaugh Williams
Associations, Corporations, and Municipalities that provide or have provided support to the foundation (alphabetical order)
- AME Group
- Astroturf
- Benchmark Consulting Group
- Binnie and Associates
- Black Mountain Golf Club
- British Columbia Golf
- British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association
- Cedar Crest
- Centaur Products Inc.
- CIBC Wood Gundy
- City of Burnaby
- City of Maple Ridge
- City of Richmond
- City of Surrey
- City of Vancouver
- Corporation of Delta
- DB Perks and Associates
- Dialog
- District of Maple Ridge
- District of Oak Bay
- District of West Kelowna
- District of West Vancouver
- Excellent Ice
- Fay Baker Consulting
- FHS Marketing
- Fitness Town
- Gary Young Associates
- GF Strong Centre
- Golf Now
- Great Pacific Management
- HCMA
- HDR
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- KDH Management Consultants
- Langara College
- Lark Group
- Meadow Gardens
- Municipality of North Cowichan
- PERC Consultant
- Perkins & Will
- Priority Management
- RC Strategies and PERC+
- Recreation Excellence
- Rectec Industries
- Redfin
- Regional District of Nanaimo
- Richmond Olympic Oval
- RJC
- Sandpiper Resort Golf Course
- Shape Architecture Inc.
- Stafford Portraits
- Strikeman Elliot
- Talvan Machine Shop
- Tango
- Turnbull Construction Project Managers
- Unitech
- Western Noise Control
- Westland Insurance