Canuck Place Connectors
The Canuck Place Connectors program is designed to deepen ties with the next generation of leaders who are passionate about making a difference.
Connectors pledge $5,000+ annually and join a community of connection and meaningful exchange, all in support of children and families facing the most unimaginable circumstances. Meet the individuals, corporate partners, and community members driving the Connectors movement through collaboration and shared purpose.
Thank you to The Citrine Foundation of Canada and Arcadia Foundation for amplifying future leaders and helping more children receive the expert care they need with a $55,000 matching gift.
Anna Baird
Executive Advisor, Google | Honourary Ambassador
Anna Baird is an accomplished business transformation leader drawing on her customer experience, consulting, and technology background. Anna has held multiple roles in Google and is currently a member of The Cloud Canadian Leadership team for Special Programs and Executive Engagements.
She has been published on YouTube in a Series called Google’s DNA for her approach to diversity and inclusion as the bedrock for business transformation frameworks to succeed. Anna’s work with startups is amplified in her advisor roles and the incubation portfolio she is helping to grow.
A featured public speaker for Google and the host to multiple conferences and events, Anna was recently a Keynote for the Women in Data Science Conference, a Keynote for the Masason Foundation in collaboration with The Knowledge Society, and facilitated the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce Executive Breakfast.
Anna’s support of Canuck Place started in her university years when she was a family volunteer and special events support. Now, later in life and with significant experience in the technology sector and transformation arena, Anna is proud to lend her time and skills to a team that innovates, cares deeply, and pushes to the edge of impossible to advance medical support, all while letting kids be kids. Supporting Canuck Place as a Connector means getting to champion a small, but mighty team and a place that is truly magical.
Amrit Maharaj
Founder and COO, Coho Collective | Honourary Ambassador
Amrit is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Coho Collective Inc., owners of Purebread Bakery & Coho Kitchens, Canada's largest shared kitchen space provider. Amrit has 18+ years experience in Real Estate Development, and is the owner of Avaram Homes. He's also the co-founder of Suna Studios, Western Canada's largest music rehearsal spaces. Amrit has been awarded the BC Community Achievement Award for Philanthropic Contributions.
Amrit Maharaj embodies what it means to be a valued volunteer—he gives of himself completely, never expecting anything in return. Amrit has volunteered at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Vancouver for 19 years, where he is a family support volunteer and a mentor to other volunteers. With humour, compassion, and empathy, Amrit offers assistance wherever asked—often in circumstances that are extremely difficult. Among his other volunteer activities, Amrit has worked at fundraising events throughout the city, the UBC Meal Exchange, Habitat for Humanity, and the Greater Vancouver Foodbank. Amrit has also been known to contribute anonymously to children and organizations that need help and support.
Robert Coard
Partner, PwC Canada | Honourary Ambassador
Robert Coard is Partner in the Vancouver office of PwC Canada, who specializes in providing assurance and business advisory services to growing companies. He is the People Experience Leader for the Canadian Assurance practice where his focus is on delivering an exceptional experience for over 2,300 Partners and staff in the Assurance practice. Robert has advised many companies on significant transactions and assisted others in achieving growth through acquisition and in capital markets. He spent two years seconded to the London, UK office of PwC. His past voluntary involvement has included extensive service to the CPA training program, The Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Neil Squire Society. Robert has also been serving on the Canuck Place board since 2020.
Alexia Majidi
Partner, Hammerco Lawyers LLP | Honourary Ambassador
Alexia Majidi is a litigator and Partner at Hammerco Lawyers LLP. Her practice is plaintiff focused, meaning she only represents and advocates on behalf of victims who have been wronged. Her main areas of practice include personal injury, corporate and commercial litigation, and class actions.
In her free time, Alexia volunteers with Access Probono providing free legal advice to those in need, in addition to her role as a mentor for Women in Law Forum and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.
Alexia lives in North Vancouver with her husband, two daughters, and cat.
Mireille Larosa
Sr. Account Manager, Aviation and Aerospace, Axis Insurance | Honourary Ambassador
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Mireille Larosa
Sr. Account Manager, Aviation and Aerospace, Axis Insurance | Honourary Ambassador
Mireille Larosa's journey in the insurance industry began after a summer gig at a brokerage firm in Montreal. There, amidst discussions with colleagues, Mireille discovered the complex and intriguing world of insurance. The field's specialized nature and potential for excitement and growth sparked an interest in pursuing a career within it.
Over the years, Mireille has meticulously crafted her expertise in managing and mitigating risks for various organizations. She has collaborated closely with C-suite executives across multiple industries, including mining, manufacturing, food, retail, a professional sports team, ski resorts, school boards, publishers, art galleries, and theatre companies. Mireille’s role has been to work hand in hand with specialized insurers to develop unique products and solutions tailored to the specific needs of their clients. Her areas of expertise span management, professional, and general liability, and navigating complex commercial risks with international exposure.
Mireille has adhered to core values such as integrity, partnership, growth, and philanthropy throughout her career. These principles have guided her approach to work and her interactions with clients and colleagues.
Mireille is a Canuck Place Mom. Her son Charles Olivier passed away on program in 2017. Mireille is grateful for the exceptional care their family received and has been actively fundraising for many years to support other families who need Canuck Place care.
Tom Huang
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tera Development | Honourary Amassador
Tom Huang is a dedicated real estate development professional with a sincere commitment to creating impactful homes that foster community and well-being.
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tera Development, an award-winning real estate development company in Metro Vancouver, Tom has earned the company a reputation for excellence in crafting homes that meet the needs of families while contributing positively to the neighbourhoods they inhabit.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Tom is actively involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors of Ocean Athletics, where he demonstrates his dedication to promoting health, wellness, and sportsmanship among youth.
Through his leadership and advocacy, Tom Huang continues to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families, both through his professional work and his involvement in the community.
Samantha Falk
Founder and CEO of Samantha Falk Communications
Sam spent 20 years as an anchor and reporter for Global and CTV News on both the local and national levels before making the transition to corporate communications. After leading communication at Hootsuite (the world’s largest social media management platform) and Nature’s Path (North America’s largest organic cereal manufacturer), Sam launched her own full-service Public Relations and Communication agency in 2022.
Sam is passionate about amplifying the messages and stories of mission-driven brands and people. She is also dedicated to giving back and loves this quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Sam is a mom to two growing, hilarious boys and when she’s not working, you can usually find her outside with her family hiking, biking, or skiing.
Tamara Van den Brink
Private Banking – BC Region at Scotia Wealth Management
Tamara has been married to her husband Sherwin for 21 years; together they have three sons, one daughter, one son-in-law, and two grandkids.
Tamara has worked in the financial services industry for over 26 years and is currently the Vice President for Private Banking at Scotia Wealth Management in British Columbia. She recently completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Leadership and a certificate in Applied Psychology at Trinity Western University.
In her spare time, Tamara enjoys spending time with friends and family – her favorite activities include wake surfing at Cultus Lake and skiing at Big White. Tamara has a passion for helping others live their best life. This is why she enjoys giving back to her community and believes in supporting the Canuck Place mission.
The Connectors community
Leadership rooted in impact
United in their support of the care we provide, Connectors engage through financial contributions, leadership, advocacy, knowledge sharing, or simply by showing up with heart. Here is what giving back as a Canuck Place Connector can look like – in a multitude of forms:
- View photos from our Connectors Launch Event at the Kostuik Gallery in downtown Vancouver
- Read about the connection between Connectors and corporate philanthropy in the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade blog
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Learn how our Honourary Ambassador Tom Huang is helping shape the future of philanthropy
Leadership and philanthropy go hand in hand—and that meaningful impact grows when values and action align. We are grateful to this growing community for harnessing the power of collective action and community engagement to support children and families.
#CanuckPlaceConnectors
Our philosophy and approach
Driven by community. Empowered by vision.
At the heart of the Connectors program is a bold goal: to reach every family caring for a child with a life-threatening illness who needs help in BC and the Yukon—so no one walks this journey alone. Connectors drive this mission forward by embracing the spirit of community, shared purpose, and both individual and collaborative leadership.
As part of this growing network, you will be invited to join, learn, and take part in meaningful experiences that connect personal growth with lasting impact:
- Inspiring networking events to learn from other leaders about their own philanthropy and community service
- Annual learning exchanges with Canuck Place leadership and clinical staff allowing Connectors to hear from experts in pediatric palliative care, grief and loss, and health care innovation
- Matching support from our program partners. The Citrine Foundation of Canada and Arcadia Foundation will double the impact of your $5,000+ contribution
Together, we are growing a compassionate network of care that makes every moment count.
Become a Canuck Place Connector
Join this powerful movement of support and care
Donations of $5,000 or more can be made through a personal or corporate donation, or by fundraising all or part of your contribution.
Double your impact. The Citrine Foundation of Canada and the Arcadia Foundation will match gifts of $5,000 and above up to $55,000.
To learn more or pledge your support, please contact Prathna Batra at [email protected] or 778-900-4627.
With thanks to our matching partners
