Rick Hansen Foundation Celebrates 40 Recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal
For over four decades, King Charles III has been a supporter of charitable causes, using his royal platform to drive forward organizations that serve the greater good. From environmental sustainability to supporting accessibility and inclusion by providing mobility solutions for people with disabilities, his influence spans continents. In Canada, that commitment to service is reflected in the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour celebrating individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact in their communities.
On March 20, the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) proudly recognized 40 outstanding individuals with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their exceptional contributions to accessibility and inclusion in Canada. They’ve helped RHF break down barriers for people with disabilities in their respective work for organizations and in the broader community.
“It is so meaningful to be able to honour these inspiring individuals for their dedication to social change,” said Rick Hansen, Founder of RHF. “I’m incredibly grateful and congratulate each of these leaders for their contributions. Whether through research, advocacy, or community leadership, they have shaped a more inclusive Canada and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
The timing of the award is meaningful: 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour – a two-year, two-month, and two-week long marathon that captured global attention and ignited a movement to remove barriers for people with disabilities. The collective efforts of each recipient mirror the spirit of the Tour — one of perseverance, vision, and the belief that change is possible.
Recognizing Champions of Accessibility and Inclusion
King Charles started his charity The Prince’s Trust with his Navy severance pay of £7,400. Over the years, he has championed more than 500 organizations worldwide and serves as president of 19 charitable trusts under the umbrella of the Prince’s Charities. The Coronation Medal, launched in 2023 to commemorate his and Queen Camilla’s ascension to the throne, is a symbol of excellence and service.
These 40 medal recipients represent a diverse and deeply dedicated group of people who have made lasting contributions in spinal cord injury research, disability advocacy, and community-building efforts.
Congratulations to the following:
Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour Road Crew Participants
Don Alder, Tim Frick, Amanda Hansen, Derrick Hill, Nancy Thompson, and Pete Turnau.
Spinal Cord Injury Research Trailblazers
Stewart and Marilyn Blusson, Dr. Marcel Dvorak, Dr. Stacy Elliott, Dr. Michael Fehlings, Michael Harcourt, Dr. Andrei Krassioukov, Dr. Brian Kwon, George and Sylvia Melville, Dr. Charles Tator, and Dr. Wolf Tetzlaff.
Accessibility Champions
Eric Boyd, Dave Button, Mary-Jo Fetterly, Walt Lawrence, Dean Mellway, Kathy Newman, Marco Pasqua, Gerry Post, Daryl Rock, Benjamin Shinewald, Michelle Stilwell, Sam Sullivan, and Marie Trudeau.
Community Builders
Deborah Apps, Ida Chong, Perry Goldsmith, Lyall Knott, Jefferson Mooney and Suzanne Bolton, Dr. Colleen Nelson, Ryan and Monica Peterson, Suki Sekhon, Peter Ufford, Eric Watt, and Greg Yuel.
A Symbol of Dedication and Excellence
Designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin, Fraser Herald at the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the King Charles III Coronation Medal reflects the rich history of public service in Canada. The medal’s obverse features a crowned image of King Charles III in coronation robes, with the inscription “CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX” (Charles III, by the Grace of God, the King) and “CANADA.”
The reverse portrays the Royal Cypher, surmounted by the Canadian Royal Crown, over a sunburst design from the Canadian Coronation emblem. Its ribbon, in dark blue, bright red, and white, matches the design of the United Kingdom’s Coronation Medal ribbon, reinforcing the unity of the Commonwealth. This medal is the first Canadian honour to feature the Canadian Royal Crown, approved by His Majesty.
Moving Forward Together
As RHF continues to break down barriers facing people with disabilities through its innovative solutions, the presentation of these medals serves as a reminder that change happens through collective effort. The Tour was never just about one person’s journey; it was about proving that barriers — whether physical, social, or systemic — can be overcome when people come together with purpose and determination.
“Together, we are building a future where barriers are removed, and people of all abilities can fully participate in society,” said Rick. “As we celebrate these incredible honourees, we also recommit ourselves to pushing forward on the journey toward a country we can all be proud of—with real and lasting change.”
In a year that marks both a royal coronation and a movement’s anniversary, the recognition of these 40 individuals serves as a powerful reminder that accessibility and inclusion are the foundation of a stronger, more equitable Canada. And just as King Charles III has dedicated his life to positive change, RHF will continue to honour and support those who make the impossible, possible.
Biographies
Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour Road Crew Participants
Don Alder – Rick and Don have known each other since they were teenagers attending high school together in Williams Lake. They were together in the motor vehicle accident that led to Rick’s spinal cord injury. Don selflessly put his musical career on hold and volunteered his time to join Rick on the Man In Motion World Tour. Don went on to be presented a certificate of merit for “Disabled Awareness – Man in Motion” by Mayor Woods of Williams Lake. He became the Equipment Manager for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Team and the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Teams. Don is a recipient of the Order of Canada, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Lieutenant Governor’s Award, and is a “StarMeritus” Inductee in the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Today, Don is on the Board of Directors for Empower Through Music, a charity status non-profit with the goal to raise funding to provide music lessons and instruments to underserved youth. He is a globally renowned guitarist and three-time champion in the top world guitar competitions and is still one of Rick’s dearest friends.
Tim Frick – Tim was Rick’s wheelchair basketball coach and the coordinator for the Man In Motion World Tour. He went on to coach the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team and led them to three gold medals and one bronze in the Paralympic Games and four consecutive World Wheelchair Basketball Championship titles. The “Tim Frick Paralympic Coach Excellence Award” was created in his honour by the Canadian Paralympic Committee in 2010. He currently spends his time volunteering for a variety of organizations, including coaching elementary school students, mentor-coaching with wheelchair basketball, and kayaking the Salish Sea. He and his partner Gerry enjoy RVing and spending time with their rescue German Shepherds.
Amanda Hansen - Amanda has been an integral part of the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) since its inception. She began as Rick’s physiotherapist during the Man In Motion World Tour, a role that led to a lifelong partnership when they married in 1987. Appointed to the RHF Board in 2006, Amanda is the longest-serving Director. A passionate advocate for children, Amanda led the Foundation’s School Program (2002 – 2006), served as an honorary spokesperson and board member for Kids Help Phone (BC), and co-hosted the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. With a 40-year career in physiotherapy, Amanda has worked across several specialized fields, including spinal cord injury rehabilitation, sports medicine, and long-term/dementia care. Amanda’s lifelong dedication to helping others continues to shape and inspire the Foundation’s work.
Derrick Hill - Derrick Hill supported his high school friend Terry Fox’s dream by raising funds for the Marathon of Hope before, during, and after his historic 1980 run. As a Port Coquitlam Kinsmen, he chaired and co-chaired 17 of the first 20 annual Terry Fox Hometown Runs. Derrick met Rick Hansen at Terry’s funeral. Rick’s support and early encouraging words to make Terry Fox Runs fully accessible, forged a bond with Kinsmen. When news of Rick’s Tour plans spread, Derrick began the effort to involve Kinsmen and grow their support for Rick nationally, then internationally with clubs such as Apex Australia. Derrick joined Rick’s Road Crew for the Tour’s final Canadian phase. After the Tour’s completion he organized two Wheels In Motion events and promoted several legacy initiatives such as Access Awareness Week, now known as National AccessAbility Week. His Kinsmen jackets, fully covered with trading pins from the clubs and organizations he worked with on the Man In Motion World Tour, would come to symbolize the nation’s volunteer support behind Rick Hansen. Derrick played a key role within the Port Coquitlam Kinsmen for twenty years when it was regarded as one of the most productive and influential service clubs in the nation.
Nancy Thompson - As Tour Manager of the Man In Motion World Tour, Nancy was to go-to person for all Tour-related operations in addition to managing the crew and volunteers, budget, and the daily schedule. Nancy held positions with the Rick Hansen Foundation as well as with the Rick Hansen Institute, leading the work on the 10th Anniversary Neurotrauma Initiative, Wheels In Motion Annual Events, several international conferences, and many other special projects that led to the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute, including the SCI Solutions Network. Her most recent projects with the Foundation included the creation of the Tour archives to be added to the Canadian Museum of History.
Pete Turnau - Pete provided exceptional support working behind the scenes of the Man In Motion World Tour. Pete is an incredible innovator, and he played a key role as part of the Tour’s Wheelchair Design team. Pete designed the roller machine that Rick spent thousands of hours training on for his wheelchair marathons and the Tour. It’s still a piece of equipment that Rick owns and uses in his workouts.
Spinal Cord Injury Research Trailblazers
Stewart and Marilyn Blusson - Stewart and Marilyn have been generous supporters of Rick’s vision for an accessible and inclusive world. They supported translational research into spinal cord injury (SCI) therapies. During 2005 and 2006, their generosity made it possible to create the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. This facility is a transformational, world class centre of excellence for SCI research and care and includes the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), and the Brenda & David McLean Clinic. The Foundation holds the highest respect and admiration for Stewart and Marilyn and are grateful for all that they do to support the removal of barriers for persons with spinal cord injury through world class research.
Dr. Marcel Dvorak - Dr. Dvorak is a foremost researcher in adult spine surgery, with special interest and focus on traumatic injuries of the spine and spine deformity. The former Scientific Director of the Rick Hansen Institute, he is currently a Professor of Orthopedics at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and holds the Cordula and Günter Paetzold Chair of Spinal Cord Clinical Research Endowment through ICORD. In 2004, he led the creation of the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry that today has grown to include 30 major trauma and rehabilitation centres across Canada and now includes over 10,000 individuals with SCI within the database. Dr. Dvorak continues to educate and present in conferences around the globe and shares his knowledge through the training of graduate students and spine fellows each year.
Dr. Stacy Elliott - Dr. Elliott is a Clinical Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Urologic Sciences at UBC and a Principal Investigator at ICORD. Her work and numerous publications for the last 35 years focus on sexual and fertility rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI), a top priority for persons with an SCI. With support from the Foundation, her work led to the creation of the Sexual and Reproductive Rehabilitation white paper, aimed at identifying the challenges SCI patients face with finding appropriate sexual health services in B.C. The outcome of this work outlined a strategy to build capacity in the very specialized field of Sexual Rehabilitation. The Sexual Health Rehabilitation Service and Dr. Elliott have also created credential courses offered by BCIT aimed at training healthcare professionals in this area, with international participation.
Dr. Michael Fehlings – Dr. Fehlings is a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto and a Neurosurgeon-Scientist at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He holds the Robert Campeau Family Foundation / Dr. C.H. Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research at UHN, is a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute, is co-Chair of the UofT Spine Program and is Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Spinal Cord. Dr. Fehlings combines an active clinical practice in complex spinal surgery with a translationally oriented research program focused on discovering novel treatments to improve functional outcomes following spinal cord injury (SCI). He has published over 1,170 peer-reviewed articles and received numerous international research awards.
Michael Harcourt – Mike is a former Premier of British Columbia and was the 34th Mayor of Vancouver from 1981 to 1986. Following Mike’s spinal cord injury in 2002, he became actively involved in spinal cord research and education, working with the Rick Hansen Foundation on the creation of ICORD and chairing the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Advisory Group. More recently, Mike has lent his voice and expertise in the development of the Rick Hansen Foundation BC spinal cord injury strategy and sits on the Foundation’s SCI Advisory Committee.
Dr. Andrei Krassioukov - Dr. Krassioukov is a clinician scientist with internationally recognized expertise in helping people with spinal cord injury maintain their cardiovascular health. His work in spinal cord injury has been recognized through numerous national and international awards, and he was the first Canadian physician elected President of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), a position he held from 2018 to 2022. He was awarded medals by the International Paralympic Committee for his research conducted during numerous Paralympic events, and in 2020 he was named a Pioneer of Autonomic Paralympic Research. Dr. Krassioukov has published more than 350 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and his work has resulted in numerous international initiatives in the field of spinal cord injury. Currently, he holds the Patrick Reid Chair in Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Research and is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, UBC.
Dr. Brian Kwon - Dr. Kwon is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at UBC and a renowned surgeon-scientist with advanced training in complex spine surgery. Dr. Kwon’s surgical practice at Vancouver General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center and provincial referral center for all spinal cord injuries in British Columbia, is focused on the management of adult spine trauma, spinal cord injuries, and non-traumatic conditions. As a neuroscientist and current Director at ICORD, Dr. Kwon runs an active clinical research program in spinal cord injury and spine trauma. In addition to holding the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Injury, he sits on the SCI Steering Committee, assisting the Rick Hansen Foundation with the BC SCI Care Strategy initiative. Dr. Kwon has established himself as an international authority in spinal cord injury, and his work continues to lead to new insights in the medical field of spinal cord injury.
George and Sylvia Melville - As dedicated philanthropists, George and Sylvia stand behind organizations that aid vulnerable populations, including young people. George Melville is the Chairman and owner of Melville Global Investments Inc. and formerly the Chairman and Owner of Boston Pizza International which was a presenting partner for RHF’s School Program for five years and whose generosity accelerated the growth of the program. They have been long-time supporters of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the critical work in spinal cord research and care, including that of Dr. Brian Kwon. Their support has helped achieve significant scientific breakthroughs, distinguishing Canada as a global leader in the field. In 2018, George was awarded the Order of British Columbia. The Union Gospel Mission, Covenant House, Rick Hansen Foundation, various B.C. hospitals, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University have all grown and benefited from the Melville family’s generosity.
Dr. Charles Tator – Dr. Tator is a Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, at the University of Toronto. His work focuses on SCI recovery and regeneration, as well as improved diagnosis and treatment of concussions. Dr. Tator’s lab was the first in Canada to study acute spinal cord injury from a basic science perspective and his research transformed the understanding of SCI. His work in this field led him to explore injury prevention within sport and recreation, as well as treatment. He founded Think First Canada and Parachute Canada, injury prevention foundations. Dr. Tator’s contributions in medicine have been recognized through many awards, including being inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2009, receiving the Order of Hockey in Canada award in 2020, and being made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2016.
Dr. Wolfram Tetzlaff - Dr. Tetzlaff is the former Director of ICORD, Professor in the Departments of Zoology and Surgery at UBC and holds the Edie Ehlers Chair in Spinal Cord Research. His laboratory is focused on neural protection and neural regeneration, working towards treatments to mitigate further damage of the injured spinal cord and ways to promote axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. As the Director of ICORD, he was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the $20 million Blusson Integrated Cures Partnership that helped to build ICORD’s capacity for ground-breaking research. This work, funded by the Rick Hansen Foundation, contributed to ICORD’s recognition as one of the top five SCI research institutes in the world.
Accessibility Champions
Eric Boyd - Eric was a vanguard of the disability movement through his roles as Director for the Paraplegic Association (Newfoundland and Alberta) and its National Office (Ottawa); Executive Director of the Alberta Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities; National Spinal Cord Institute and founding CEO of the Rick Hansen Institute. He led Rick Hansen Foundation’s cross-country check-up, leading to the creation of a National SCI Research Strategy. It is due to Eric and his determined pursuit of supporting the spinal cord injury community that so many positive changes have been realized.
Dave Button – Dave Button is Vice President, Administration (emeritus) at the University of Regina. He is a Chartered Director, Professional Engineer, Certified Educational Facilities Professional, Project Management Professional, and Planner. Dave is Chair of the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Advisory Committee and has been a member of the committee since its inception. He has helped the Foundation move the dial to support RHFAC’s expansion into the post-secondary sector and beyond.
Mary-Jo Fetterly - Mary-Jo served as an Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) for seven years and spoke extensively in schools and public functions raising awareness around disability. She is currently the Chair of the Disability Foundation, and past Chair of the City of Vancouver’s Accessibility Committee. She shared her expertise as she headed the Foundation’s Global Accessibility Initiative that launched during the 25th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, aimed to be a global platform for convening community and sharing information in regard to accessibility. She also lends her expertise as a member of the Advisory Committee for RHF’s BC SCI Care Strategy initiative. Mary-Jo is faculty at Rhodes-VSOHA as a yoga teacher/therapist and works for SCI-BC and University of Toronto Rehabilitation Health Sciences as a Peer Health Coach. In addition, Mary-Jo is the co-author of the first ever published research study conducted on mindfulness for disability and neurodivergent clients. She’s also co-author on the national spinal cord injury fitness guidelines.
Walt Lawrence - Since he sustained his injury at 18 years of age, Walt has dedicated his life to advocating for people with disabilities. He has worked closely with the City of Vancouver, been a member of the Board for the B.C. Rehab Foundation and sat on the Rick Hansen Foundation’s BC SCI Steering Committee. He holds a Registered Rehab Professional degree and has worked at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for the past twenty-five years.
Dean Mellway – Dean was the Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and personally oversaw the organization of more than 20 events as Rick wheeled through Ottawa during the Man In Motion World Tour. Dean’s engagement with the Tour crew was essential to the Tour’s success in our nation’s capital. He was also a competitive athlete representing Canada with medal performances in Paralympics and World Championships and was a founder and former Director of Carleton’s READ Initiative (Research, Education, Accessibility and Design). Dean went on to earn his designation as a RHFAC Professional and was a key player in the audit of the Carleton University campus. He was instrumental in getting Carleton University to approve RHFAC in policy, the first university in Canada to do so, and has continued to be a champion for RHF.
Kathy Newman - Kathy was the Executive Director of the BC Wheelchair Sports Association for 25 years and was inducted into the Canadian Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2019 and the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Throughout her career, she organized various national and international wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby tournaments across Canada. She had the vision and foresight to invite young wheelchair athletes like Rick to compete at the Langley Mustangs Track and Field Club’s annual track meet, one of the first in B.C. and Canada where athletes with a disability were able to participate in an inclusive environment. Today, in her retirement, Kathy continues to remove barriers for people with disabilities at the national and international level, focusing on gender equity and global development in sport. Her commitment spans over 44 years.
Marco Pasqua – Marco, a designated RHFAC Professional and passionate accessibility consultant, champions inclusive communities and authentic connections through his engaging presentations for the Rick Hansen Foundation and as Master of Ceremonies at the annual APN conference. Marco advises municipalities and business leaders across Canada on creating universally designed spaces and inclusive employment strategies, notably serving on the Province of B.C.'s Employment Advisory Committee. Known for his energetic and relatable style, Marco emphasizes that true accessibility empowers all individuals to reach their fullest potential, reshaping perceptions and inspiring meaningful change wherever he speaks.
Gerry Post - Gerry came out of retirement in 2017 to become the inaugural Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate and quickly established a partnership between Nova Scotia Community College and the Rick Hansen Foundation. Through this partnership, RRHFAC was introduced to the Province of Nova Scotia. Gerry has helped to increase the awareness and knowledge of meaningful access in the built environment, leading Nova Scotia to have the highest number of RHFAC Professionals per capita in Canada. The Foundation supported Gerry’s efforts to develop an MLS accessibility filter, which allows people to identify appropriate housing for people with disabilities. Gerry continues his advocacy efforts to improve accessibility and continues his work as a member of RHFAC Advisory Committee.
Daryl Rock - Daryl is a retired federal public servant, philanthropist, social entrepreneur, loving husband, scuba diver, and passionate traveller. Following a spinal cord injury in 1983, Daryl became active in disability rights and improving access for people with disabilities. During the 1990s, Daryl was the National Coordinator for National Access Awareness Week (now known as National AccessAbility Week), and over the past three decades, Daryl has helped launch several not-for-profit organizations, including the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, which he chaired from 1999 to 2006 and the Ottawa chapter of SCI Ontario, Freedom at Depth Canada, an organization committed to teaching people with disabilities how to Scuba Dive, and in 2009 became the founding Chairman of the Rick Hansen Institute. Since moving to Ottawa, Daryl and his wife Melanie have centred their philanthropic activities on palliative care, homelessness, and education, including funding a scholarship program at Carleton University for persons with physical disabilities.
Benjamin Shinewald, ICD.D - Benjamin is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada (BOMA Canada). As a member of the RHFAC Advisory Committee, he draws on his extensive knowledge of the built environment to raise the profile and importance of accessibility within Canada’s commercial real estate industry. During his tenure, BOMA Canada has become one of the Foundation’s most cherished and important industry partners, supporting the Buildings Without Barriers Challenge. Benjamin is responsible for BOMA BEST®, a made-in-Canada program that is the world’s leading sustainability and smart building certification for existing commercial real estate. Active in the community, Benjamin served as the Co-Chair of Leadership Sinai and spent ten years on the Board of Ve’ahavta.
Michelle Stilwell – Michelle represented Canada at four Summer Paralympic Games (2000, 2008, 2012, 2016) and the 2015 Parapan American Games, earning multiple gold medals and inspiring a generation of athletes. As a member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board of Directors and Own the Podium, she champions inclusive sport and athlete development. From 2013 to 2020, Michelle served as the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum and as Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation (2015–2017), shaping policies that improved accessibility and inclusion. Currently, she is a vital member of the Rick Hansen Foundation’s SCI Advisory Committee, advancing the provincial spinal cord injury care strategy and advocating for the needs of the disability community.
Sam Sullivan – It was during the Man In Motion World Tour, when Rick was in the United Kingdom, that Rick had an opportunity to sail an adapted sailboat. A few months later, during Expo 86 in Vancouver, U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher gifted Rick an adapted sunbird vessel in recognition of completing the Man In Motion World Tour. Sam, by this point, had created the Tetra Society of North America and was keen to see what innovations could be created for sailors with disabilities. It was Rick’s great privilege to gift him the adapted sunbird sailboat that Sam, in essence, used to create Paralympic sailing that is now practiced around the world. Today, the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation is a collection of six non-profits that are designed to improve the quality of life for people with significant disabilities. In addition to his non-profits, Sam is also Founder of Global Civic Policy Society and a member of the Order of Canada. He was MLA for Vancouver-False Creek, and Mayor of Vancouver, and was the first big city mayor with a disability to carry the Olympic flag in Torino, Italy. In his spare time, he provides insight and support to the Rick Hansen Foundation’s BC SCI Care Strategy initiative.
Marie Trudeau - Marie was instrumental in supporting the Quebec component of the Man In Motion World Tour, and for many years supported the Wheels In Motion activities in Quebec. A well-known and respected advocate for disability rights, Marie was a Director and Counsellor for the Quebec Paraplegic Association during the Tour and supported newly injured paraplegics and quadriplegics. Her involvement with people with disabilities continued in her work for the Government of Canada Secretary of State in the Disabled Persons Participation Program, and as President of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Paraplegic Association. Through her work, she was involved in national SCI community activities, including the Cross-Country Check-up that led to the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute.
Disability Community Builders
Deborah Apps - Deborah is a former Board Director of the Rick Hansen Foundation. During her tenure, she participated and chaired several Board initiatives, including the Task Force which explored ways to diversify and strengthen the Rick Hansen Foundation’s fundraising strategy. She is former President and CEO of the Trans Canada Trail and served as Senior Vice President for the Calgary Health Region and President and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. As well, she was the Executive Director of the University of British Columbia Alumni Association. Her legacy to the Foundation continues in so many of the policies and procedures she spearheaded.
Ida Chong - Ida was a long-term Board Director of the Rick Hansen Foundation and could always be counted on to provide exemplary advice and extensive volunteer hours in pursuit of developing our governance structure. She was appointed to the RHF Board in 2013 and retired in 2023. During her time on the Board, she served on the Audit & Finance Committee, the Governance-HR Committee, chaired the Government Relations Committee, and served on numerous Task Force Groups lending her knowledge and thoughtful support to so many of the Foundation’s endeavours and special projects. Ida is a Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) and was awarded her Fellow award in 2006. The Fellow is the highest honour a CPA can receive, and Lifetime Achievement in 2014 in recognition of contributing dedicated service to the accounting profession. She served as an MLA for the Province of BC representing the Oak Bay-Gordon Head constituency from 1996-2013 and served in Cabinet for 10 years.
Perry Goldsmith – Perry was a much-valued Rick Hansen Foundation Board Director who, during his tenure from 2009 to 2021, was also secretary and Chair of the HR Committee. Perry’s insightful and experienced leadership ensured a thoughtful approach to governance and underscored the importance of supporting the work of Foundation staff. He is the retired owner of Contemporary Communications Ltd., a marketing and public relations agency, and is also the founder and past owner of the National Speakers Bureau. Perry has served on the boards of the National YMCA, Vancouver YMCA, Vancouver Art Gallery, and American Marketing Association (BC division). He was also the past President of the Public Relations Global Network and a founding Director of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Society of Canada.
Lyall Knott – As founding Board Director of the Rick Hansen Foundation stemming from his involvement of the Man In Motion World Tour, Lyall has committed more than 30 years to the Foundation in so many ways, including being a vital member of the Man In Motion World Tour team. He was co-chair of the Rick Hansen Foundation Board and was pivotal to many Board initiatives during his tenure. A leader in British Columbia’s legal, business, government, advanced education, and philanthropic communities, he has served on a number of corporate and charitable boards including Expo 86, the Vancouver Port Corporation, Canada Place Corporation, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., founding Director of YVR, Hon. Capt. Royal Canadian Navy, and UBC Foundation. In 1985, Lyall was awarded the rank of Queen’s Counsel, and has also been the recipient of the Queen’s Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals.
Jefferson Mooney and Suzanne Bolton - Jeff and Suzanne are notable philanthropists in the community through their April 1 Foundation. Suzanne has received the Medal of Good Citizenship from the Province of B.C. and the Sovereign's Medal of Volunteers presented by the Governor General. She oversees several scholarship programs she has established at organizations like the YWCA, BGC, and Arts Umbrella to name several. Recently Jeff and Suzanne established a scholarship to honour Rick and Amanda Hansen. These scholarships are being provided to outstanding youth with disabilities who demonstrate Rick and Amanda's qualities of perseverance and being a difference maker.
Dr. Colleen Nelson – Dr. Nelson is a long-standing Director on the Rick Hansen Foundation Board and brings a unique perspective to the Foundation’s work in spinal cord injury. Colleen was a founding scientist of the Vancouver Prostate Centre and founded and led the Australian Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Alliance from 2008 - 2018. She worked closely with the Movember Foundation and is Chair of the Movember Global Scientific Committee, which since 2003 has funded more than 1,250 men's health projects around the world with the goal of transforming the way health services reach and support men.
Ryan and Monica Peterson – Ryan and Monica established the Peterson Family Foundation to champion for a world where barriers are removed and create an environment that inspires creativity and possibility. Ryan and Monica were instrumental in the creation of the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Accessible Outdoors Program that allows people with disabilities to connect with the beauty of B.C.’s waterways – an achievement that is both ground-breaking and profoundly impactful. Ryan is a Director on the Board of the Rick Hansen Foundation and member of the Finance and Audit Committee. He also serves as a Board and Executive Committee Member of the Business Council of British Columbia. Ryan and Monica are actively involved in the community, supporting several charitable organizations and serving as mentors and advisors to young entrepreneurs.
Suki Sekhon – Suki served on the Board from 2014 to 2024. From 2014 to 2017, he spearheaded a number of Rick Hansen Foundation initiatives including co-chairing the Foundation’s Fundraising Advisory Committee and 2017’s An Evening with Rick Hansen and Friends. Throughout his Board term, he has been a passionate advocate for the work of the Foundation. A member of the RHF Campaign Cabinet, and an advocate for our work, Suki has facilitated many new and important relationships for RHF within the built-environment sector. Suki will remain a valued and committed supporter and continue to be connected to us in so many ways. The Sekhon family has supported several community organizations, including BC Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House BC, Coast Mental Health, Special Olympics, Athletics for Kids, and many other charities across British Columbia.
Peter Ufford - Peter is a former Director of the Rick Hansen Foundation Board and is the former Chancellor of Capilano University and former CEO of UBC Foundation. Peter has served as United Way Campaign Director; Management and Development Consultant to major charities; Vice President UBC External Affairs & Business Relations: UBC Properties; Canadian Olympic Committee: Rick Hansen Foundation: and Orca Bay Foundation. He has also provided advice to the New South Wales Government for the Sydney Olympics and Vancouver Olympic Bid Corporation. Peter was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and Benemerenti Medal.
Eric Watt - Eric was appointed to the Rick Hansen Foundation Board in 2013 and retired in 2022. He held the senior officer position of treasurer and chaired the Foundation’s Audit & Finance Committee. Eric’s dedication to the Foundation and the stewardship he brought to the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee were instrumental in building and solidifying the organization’s best practices and processes in financial principles. Eric is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) - the Fellow is the highest honour a CPA can receive - and holds an ICD.D designation. In addition to his significant professional accomplishments, he is greatly committed to effecting change through volunteer work in the community.
Greg Yuel - Greg joined the Rick Hansen Foundation Board in 2014 and served until his retirement in 2023. His commitment to the work of the Foundation and the vision of the Founder was unwavering and his leadership and support was evident at the Board table and meetings of the Governance-HR Committee on which he served as well as in the numerous special committees and Task Force groups he led as a Board Director. Greg is the President and CEO of PIC Investment Group Inc., a family office based in Saskatchewan. Greg is on the Board of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club and the Board of Governors of the Canadian Football League. PIC Investment Group supports areas where they feel they can make a meaningful difference. These include the Gordie Howe Sport Complex, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Remai Modern, YWCA Saskatoon, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, and many others. In 2023, Greg was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal and in 2024 awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
