2025 Rix Awards presented to exceptional community members

April 17, 2025

For Immediate Release

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VANCOUVER, B.C. —
 
Last night, the prestigious Rix Awards for 2025 were presented to a remarkable individual and an outstanding organization for their exceptional contributions to the Greater Vancouver community.

The 2025 Rix Award for Engaged Community Citizenship was presented to Bob Rennie, in recognition of his profound philanthropic commitments and contributions to the community. As a celebrated advocate for the region Bob has played a pivotal role in numerous philanthropic initiatives focused on mental health, education, and the arts. His generous donations to the Chinese Canadian Museum Society of BC led to the opening of Canada's first Chinese Canadian Museum, and his donation of artwork to the National Gallery of Canada further reflected his commitment to preserving cultural heritage. He has dedicated his time to servicing the community through his work as Directors of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and as Chair of the Peter P. Dhillon Centre for Business Ethics and his involvement in prominent art institutions.

The 2025 Rix Award for Engaged Corporate Citizenship was presented to Stantec for their dedication to building communities and empowering people to address global challenges. Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting that empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world's greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before. They help create strong and vibrant communities by focusing on four pillars—arts, education, health and wellness, and environment.

Stantec has supported over 40 non-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions across British Columbia through financial contributions and employee volunteer opportunities, and by 2030, to invest a further $30 million into community organizations around the globe, taking their total to $60 million since starting this initiative in 2007.

In addition to the presentation of the 2025 Rix Awards, the gala also included a ceremony to induct Juggy Sihota-Chahil, ICD.D, 2023-24 Chair, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, into the esteemed Council of Governors. 

Quotes:  
“The 2025 Rix Awards highlight the visionary leadership and contributions of individuals and organizations who lead with innovation and compassion. Stantec’s commitment to driving positive change, Bob Rennie’s advocacy for our community, and their shared focus on the arts, education, and support for non-profit organizations make them truly deserving recipients of these prestigious awards.” – Jason McLean, Chair of the Rix Awards, CEO, McLean Group

“It’s always an honour to celebrate those who dedicate themselves to making the Greater Vancouver region the best place to live and work. This year’s Rix Awards recipients, Bob Rennie and Stantec, are no exception. Their philanthropic efforts, commitment to preserving cultural heritage, and dedication to community stewardship embody the leadership, passion, and social responsibility that the Rix Awards represent.” – Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade 


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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 make 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. 

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