Hit the Road, Jack

Jack Wong, longtime CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC, retired at the end of March 2020.

In his 10 years with the Foundation, Jack has visited dozens of communities, helped approve over $35 million in grants, and connected with people from all walks of life.

Those who know Jack can attest to his warm heart, open mind, and generous spirit. As CEO, Jack’s priority has been to bring people together and make connections

Jack giving a toast, with his wife Alanna clapping alongside REFBC staff members

between and among communities, industries, and subject areas.

In addition to his work as a CEO, Jack has been a mentor to his staff, a friend to the Foundation’s grantees and partners, and an advisor to community groups.

Those who know Jack can attest to his warm heart, open mind, and generous spirit.

Outside of his work at REFBC, Jack has served on several Boards and committees, providing advice to organizations like the Vancouver Police Foundation, Brightside Community Homes Foundation, the Richmond Museum Society, Environment Funders Canada, and the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. EVENT PHOTOS Staff and Board members hosted a farewell party for Jack on Friday, March 6, 2020 at The Loft above Earl’s Yaletown. Over 80 people— non-profit staff members, real estate leaders, academics, and community advocates—attended the event.

Photos: Sandra Steier

JACK WONG SUSTAINABILITY FUND To celebrate Jack’s contributions to the Foundation, REFBC’s Board of Governors voted to rename our Vancouver Foundation endowment in his honour.

As a leader, Jack worked to make connections between and among land use, freshwater health, and community sustainability. It’s fitting that the Jack Wong Sustainability Fund will support activities that protect and sustain our province’s fresh water.

For more information about the fund, or to make a donation, visit www.vancouverfoundation.ca/jackwong s Stephanie Butler is Communications Manager at REFBC.

Alanna Wong, Jack Wong, and Katie Wong

Tim Pringle (REFBC’s first Executive Director), Mark Gifford (current CEO), and Jack Wong Fin Donnelly (MP Port Moody – Coquitlam / Chair, Rivershed Society of BC) with Gareth Duncan (Right) (Nature Conservancy of Canada). Karen Tam Wu (Pembina Institute)

Jack Wong and Ramona Faust (REFBC Board Chair)

Chief Ian Campbell giving a welcome Mandy Hansen, Jack Wong Jack Wong, Mark Gifford

Scott Ullrich, Mandy Hansen, Jack Wong, Kelly Lerigny, Anna Warwick Sears,. (all former Governors!) Dean Rickey Yada (UBC Faulty of Land and Food Systems), Jack Wong

Chief Ian Campbell (Squamish Nation), Amanda Nahanee, Alanna Wong

Anna Warwick Sears (Okanagan Basin Water Board), Cheryl de Paoli (Alberta Real Estate Foundation)

Katie Wong, Jessica Wong, and a cardboard standee of Jack Wong. (We had a “selfie station with Jack.”) Amanda Nahanee, Jack Wong, Chief Ian Campbell Brenda Southam (EO REIBC), Steve Lerigny (CADREB)