2024 Rix Awards presented to outstanding community members
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2024
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Last night, the prestigious Rix Awards for 2024 were presented to two remarkable individuals and one iconic local organization for their exceptional contributions to the community.
The 2024 Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship was presented to Arran and Ratana Stephens, in recognition of their life mission to always leave the earth better than they found it. Their journey began over 50 years ago when Arran opened Canada's first vegetarian restaurant in 1967. The watershed moment came in 1985 when they founded Nature's Path, which is now the world's largest independent certified organic cereal and snack food brand, found in over fifty countries. The couple has generously contributed over $40 million to philanthropic and community service efforts, including food banks, hospitals and learning institutions since 2008.
The 2024 Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship was presented to Odlum Brown for their unwavering commitment to exemplary stewardship in all aspects of their operations. Odlum Brown showcases outstanding leadership and community impact in various sectors, including healthcare, the arts, sports, and education. Their community-focused endeavors extend far and wide, encompassing over 150 organizations annually, with a combined commitment exceeding $1.5 million. The firm has a 100% employee-owned structure and is recognized as one of Canada's Most AdmiredTM Corporate Cultures since 2017.
In addition to the presentation of the 2024 Rix Awards, the gala also included a ceremony to induct Radha Curpen, ICD.D, 2022-2023 Chair, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, into the esteemed Council of Governors.
Quotes:
“The Rix Awards of 2024 underscore the remarkable power of visionary leadership and community engagement. The Stephens’ journey from pioneering organic food to extensive philanthropy, and Odlum Brown’s unparalleled community involvement, reflect a shared commitment to making a difference. It’s an honor to spotlight such profound contributions to our community, setting a profound example of service and responsibility.” – Walter Pela, Gala Chair, Managing Partner, Greater Vancouver Area at KPMG in Canada
“This year’s Rix Awards celebrate not just the contributions of our awardees but the spirit of innovation and compassion that drives them. Arran and Ratana Stephens have not only changed the landscape of organic food with Nature’s Path but have also nurtured our community with their generous philanthropy. Odlum Brown’s exemplary corporate citizenship, through their dedication to stewardship and community support, sets a benchmark for businesses everywhere.” – Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
“It brings me great joy to honor the contributions of businesses and individuals who drive positive change in our society. The groundbreaking work in organic food by Arran and Ratana Stephens, combined with their heartfelt philanthropy, and Odlum Brown's exemplary corporate citizenship, truly epitomize impactful leadership and communal responsibility.” – Jason McLean, Chair of the Rix Awards, CEO, McLean Group
About the Rix Awards
The Rix Awards are a special initiative of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, presented in honour of the late Dr. Don Rix, who served as the 2008-09 Chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade. The award recipients are chosen each year by a special selection committee, based on a number of criteria, and are presented at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's annual Governors' Gala each spring.
The Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship is presented to an individual who applies their exceptional skills, talents and drive to making a positive impact in society. Hallmark characteristics of community citizenship include trust, purpose, connectedness, leadership, social capital, passion, empathy, ethics, and responsibility.
The Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship is presented to an enterprise that demonstrates, both in policy and practice, the highest standards of stewardship towards the long-term well-being of customers, employees, owners, business partners, the environment and the broader community.
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 || media@boardoftrade.com