An Extra Special Tribute
Hall of Fame induction honours how “Goldcorp’s contributions have transformed our organization,” says Dan Howe, President & CEO, Special Olympics British Columbia.
Just as each special needs athlete is exceptional and inspirational, so too is the relationship between Goldcorp and Special Olympics British Columbia (SOBC).
For the past decade, the two organizations have teamed up to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the fun, friendship, skills, confidence and health benefits of sports and programs. On October 3, 2015, this lasting partnership was honoured with Goldcorp’s induction into the SOBC Hall of Fame.
The alliance began in 2005 with an introduction by Doug Holtby, then a Board member of both Goldcorp and SOBC. “Ian Telfer was CEO of Goldcorp at the time. He jumped in and the company became the Presenting Sponsor of our annual golf tournament,” says SOBC President and CEO, Dan Howe. In 2008, when Telfer handed the torch to new CEO Chuck Jeannes, the support for SOBC continued. By 2010, the Goldcorp Invitational Golf Tournament was a premier event and major SOBC fundraiser.
“Before Goldcorp got involved, our tournament used to raise about $70,000 a year, and since then it’s grown to generating about $300,000 each year, which enables us to do so much more,” Howe says. “Goldcorp’s contributions have transformed our organization.”
In addition to golf proceeds of about $1.8 million to date, in 2010 Goldcorp committed $1 million over four years to double the number of SOBC youth programs, helping children as young as two to foster early learning and vital social and motor skills. Goldcorp also expanded its support for Special Olympics athletes by becoming a Gold Sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games, the first Special Olympics National Games to be held in B.C. since 1990.
In 2014, Goldcorp pledged another $1 million over four years to continue adding and expanding programs. Jeannes, currently Vice Chair of SOBC, says “I can tell you, having been on the Board for a couple of years and having participated in Special Olympics activities, you just go there once and that will be all it takes for you to understand the true change you make in people’s lives.”
Holtby, who remains co-chair of the Sports Celebrities Festival gala benefitting SOBC and the Canucks for Kids Fund, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in October as well. “Doug introduced us to some of our biggest and longest-term partners, like Goldcorp,” says Howe. “He also made us better in terms of governance and guidance...We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.”
Telfer also remains a vital supporter, having served as Director of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation from 2010 to 2013, and is a Patron member today.
Watch how Zaccary Parthenay, the son of two Red Lakes Gold Mines employees, competed in the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games, where Goldcorp was the Gold Sponsor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Gfs1Q9-YM.
