April 4, 2024 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) is pleased to announce that three B.C. charitable organizations – Covenant House Vancouver, Power To Be, and Ending Violence B.C. – have collectively received $30,000 in donations following a sold-out event hosted by BCBC on April 2nd, where half of all ticket sales were dedicated to these causes. 

The event, “Strong Economy, Strong Community,” celebrated the relationship between economic prosperity and philanthropy, showcasing the significant impact charitable causes have on our community and the critical role that corporate partnerships play in supporting their efforts.  

"Business and charities both create hope,” says BCBC President and CEO, Laura Jones. Businesses generate income and growth, which gives us resources for everything from charitable donations to more government investments in healthcare. Charitable organizations create hope on a very personal level working with individuals. Both contribute to vibrant communities that we can all be proud of, and it was amazing to have an event to celebrate that.”  

The inaugural event was sold out and highlighted partnerships between Covenant House Vancouver and RBC Royal Bank; Ending Violence B.C. and Shell Canada; and Power To Be and the Peterson family.  

As the applause from the event fades, BCBC reaffirms its commitment to fostering partnerships between businesses and charitable causes to build stronger, more resilient communities across the province including making its "Strong Economy, Strong Community" dinner an annual event.  

“We heard from so many participants that it was a unique opportunity to make new partnerships, we’re excited to do it again and again,” said Jones.   

Media interviews are available with Laura Jones, who can speak more about the event and the mutually supportive relationship between the economy and philanthropy. Contact: media@bcbc.com  

QUOTES 

“We are grateful to have engaged in this important event. By investing together in social impact, both the business and charitable sectors create a ripple effect that supports stronger communities today and into the future.” – Jason Cole, Co-CEO, Power To Be 

“The importance of philanthropy cannot be overstated. Through philanthropic partnerships, the investments made can help to generate hope, provide a spark, and build stronger communities.” – Rahul Ray, Board Chair, Power To Be 

“Covenant House Vancouver was pleased to partner with BCBC and RBC to highlight the need for businesses and community organizations to partner for impact. When we lock arms in our collective goal of healthy and thriving communities we can advocate for, and create, sustainable change. We believe that an investment in youth is an investment in community, and together with our business partners we are supporting youth to reach their potential, because they are worth it.” – Deborah Lester, CEO, Covenant House Vancouver 

“We were thrilled to be invited to the Business Council of BC’s Annual Chair’s Dinner to profile our collaboration with Susannah Pierce of Shell Canada and George Chayka of the BC Lions in support of our Be More Than a Bystander high school youth education program. We are excited by the enthusiastic response of business leaders to work with us to end gender-based violence and support thriving communities.” – Ninu Kang, Executive Director, Ending Violence Association of BC 

“Sharing ideas and experiences is fundamental to understanding how we can all work together to create a brighter future. It was a privilege to join Covenant House CEO Deb Lester onstage to share our insights on how our partnership plays an important role in helping our communities to prosper.” – Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, BC, RBC Royal Bank 

CONTACTS

Braden McMillan
Director of Communications
Business Council of British Columbia
braden.mcmillan@bcbc.com

Jim Payn
Regional Director, Communications, BC
RBC Royal Bank
Jim.payn@rbc.com

Dana Hutchings
Co-CEO
Power To Be
dana@powertobe.ca

Neil Henderson
Manager, Media & Communications
Covenant House Vancouver
nhenderson@covenanthousebc.org

Fiona Jackson
Communications Manager
Ending Violence Association of BC
fjackson@endingviolence.org

About BCBC 
Established in 1966, the Business Council of British Columbia is a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for current and future generations.

Comprised of over 200 leading B.C. companies, post-secondary institutions and industry associations, BCBC provides credible information, fosters cross-sectoral relationships and advocates for bold and practical solutions to the policy challenges of our time. 

About Power To Be 
Power To Be is a non-profit organization based in Victoria and Vancouver that creates access to nature for youth, families, and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial, and social barriers.

Power To Be began in 1998 with an idea: help people living with a disability or barrier access nature. The idea grew into a community, connecting participants to adventures and supporters to opportunities, collectively redefining our definition of ability. We believe that everyone belongs in nature, and we help people explore who they are and what they are capable of with the support of our staff, donors, volunteers, and each other. 

About Covenant House Vancouver  
Covenant House Vancouver’s purpose is to serve all youth with relentless support, absolute respect, and unconditional love. We help youth experiencing homelessness, and protect and safeguard all youth in need. 

About Ending Violence BC 
The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) is a member organization based in Vancouver, Canada, on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We support, train and advocate for anti-violence workers in close to 300 anti-violence programs across the province that respond to sexual and intimate partner violence, child abuse, and criminal harassment.