Zajac Ranch for Children Presents Giving Heroes

April 19, 2023

Peter and Joanne Brown FoundationIn this series, we wish to recognize and celebrate the stories of individuals and organizations who are changing the lives of medically vulnerable children and young adults by supporting the Zajac Ranch for Children mission and vision within the community.

For the first installation in our Zajac Giving Heroes series, we want to express our gratitude to Peter and Joanne Brown for their significant contributions to Zajac Ranch for Children. We are deeply grateful for their impactful donations of more than $100,000 over the last year.

We are thankful to have Mr. & Mrs. Brown share in our vision that every child and young adult should have the opportunity to enjoy transformative camp experiences that have a lasting, positive impact on independence, social skills, friendship and fun.

Mr. Brown has been instrumental in shaping Vancouver into the vibrant city it has become.  He has served on many boards, including as vice-chairman of Expo 86 and chair of the UBC board of governors, the Vancouver Stock Exchange, BC Place Corporation, and the BC Enterprise Corporation. He was appointed Lead Director and Member of the Finance Committee for the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Since Peter’s retirement as President of Canaccord Genuity, the Browns have concentrated on steering the Peter and Joanne Brown Foundation, supporting non-profit projects and charitable causes that strengthen the community and contribute to the health and vitality of Vancouver and British Columbia, a mission that aligns perfectly with the goals of Zajac Ranch for Children.

As presenting sponsors for three of our Lunch with a Legends series in 2022, the Browns have helped us raise essential funding in two important areas, the Zajac Campership Allowance Program and the Zajac Horseback Riding Program.

With the cost of basics on the rise, coupled with everyday medical expenses that come with raising a child with disabilities or serious illness, families rely more on our Campership Allowance Program than ever. This subsidy program helps bridge the financial gap for campers, guaranteeing that a Zajac Ranch experience is possible for everyone from any socioeconomic background. The Browns share in our mission to leave no child out of this experience, no matter their medical condition or physical ability.

Additionally, when Mr. and Mrs. Brown learned that we needed to add more horses to our horseback riding program, they did not hesitate to step up to purchase a horse. They also called upon friends to contribute funding to purchase three more. To witness a child lifted out of a wheelchair and onto a specialized harness is a thing of beauty. These new additions to our fleet will ensure that our horseback riding program continues to provide freedom, joy and laughter for our riders for years to come.

We applaud Peter and Joanne Brown for their dedication and commitment to helping us show kids and youth that they are not defined by their illness or disability and for helping us to provide a spectacular camp experience and high-quality medical care in the safest and most supportive environment at Zajac Ranch.

Peter and Joanne, you truly are Zajac Giving Heroes!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Zajac Ranch for Children Presents Giving Heroes