A charitable foundation from Maple Ridge has given $1 million to Special Olympics B.C.
The Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation gave Special O what the group calls a “life-changing gift,” to ensure athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 55 B.C. communities can access sport opportunities for many years to come.
The endowment fund will provide long-term support for Special O athletes to train, compete, and thrive in year-round sport, youth, and health programs at low or no cost. It comes at a time when many athletes and families are facing significant financial pressures.
Ron Jones is a Maple Ridge businessman, an inductee in the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and a philanthropist. The business leader was owner of the West Coast Auto Group of car dealerships. He served as the president of the BC Lions, was a member of the executive committee of the CFL Board of Governors, and provided 38 years of service to the BC Sports Hall of Fame – including being elected chair in 1995.
His namesake foundation has also made a $1 million endowment to the BC Sports Hall of Fame, gave $200,000 to benefit cardiac patients at Ridge Meadows Hospital in 2022, recently gave $10,000 to the Alisa’s Wish Child and Advocacy Centre, and thousands more to numerous causes.
Jones’ business operated the Founder’s Cup charity golf tournament in Maple Ridge, which raised $3 million over 25 years for charities and organizations.
The Jones Family’s support for Special Olympics BC spans decades. In the late 1980s, Ron helped strengthen Special O’s newly established partnership with the New Car Dealers Association of BC. The New Car Dealers and the Jones Family continued to make a meaningful difference for Special Olympics BC over the last four decades through the annual Auction for Athletes.
“The Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation, together with all the Jones family members, are delighted to continue contributing to Special Olympics BC,” said Ron, chair of the foundation. “Our family believes that all people deserve the opportunity to participate and compete in sport, as well as performing to the best of their ability. In doing so, it will enrich their lives in developing relationships at both the local and international level that will last a lifetime.”
It’s a gift to more than 3,200 athletes with special needs.
“For many athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families, Special Olympics represents much more than sport. It is a true community – a safe and welcoming place to discover purpose, build friendships, and feel a sense of belonging,” said Dan Howe, president of Special Olympics BC. “We are deeply grateful to the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation for this extraordinary gift, which arrives at a moment when fostering inclusion and acceptance is more important than ever.”
In addition to building long-term access to programs, the foundation is also making an immediate impact for Special O. They have committed to matching all donations made to Special Olympics BC from Dec. 1 to 31 – up to $50,000.
To donate, visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca/give.