Meet Our Amazing Executive TeamBlanket BC Society started off as a father/son project in 2005 and was officially incorporated in 2010. We have a wonderful team of talented and passionate directors who make a valuable contribution to our cause on a daily basis. We are very grateful for the talent, skills and expertise that each team member brings to the group and the goals of the Society as a whole - without whom none of our successes would have been possible.
Gregory Ould Co-Founder, Executive Director
Gregory, a former comedic actor, started collecting blankets with his son Benjamin over twelve years ago. Since then, and with the help of community partners, they've managed to collect and distribute over 450,000 blankets to date! Greg's energetic 12 year old daughter "Little Miss" Emma is also an active participant and is Blanket BC's youngest "Blanket Ambassador". Along with Greg's passion of helping others, he continues to coach wrestling when he can and has recently has gone back to his entertaining days becoming an Anthem Singer for the likes of Vancouver Canadians, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions among many other sporting organizations and sings to help raise money and awareness for Blanket BC. Gregory is a passionate motivational speaker and has had the privilege to speak to kids from kindergarten to high school and to CEO's and other leaders and dignitaries. Gregory is currently writing a children's book based on the origins of Blanket BC, the teachings of empathy and the importance and affects of volunteering has on young children, and has collaborated with respected Japanese artist Yurie Hoyoyon.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed November 26 as the official Blanket BC Society Day! "I am honoured to have the love and support of my family and friends...I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in our journey especially Ben and Emma! I welcome others to join in and enjoy this road to help others in need." -Gregory Contact Gregory @ gregory.ould@blanketbc.org or call 778-242-9940 Benjamin Ould Co-Founder, Honorary Director
Ben, now 16 years old, grade 11 Honours student at Mission Secondary School in Mission, BC, was the catalyst that helped create the spirit of Blanket BC as we know it today. As a project, Ben went out with his dad helping to collect blankets for the homeless at the tender age of 2!
In February of 2013, Ben was mentioned in the House of Commons as "one of the youngest founders of a nonprofit in Canadian history!" From the beginning, Ben has shown a unique sense of sharing and helping others. It is exactly this attitude which instills the core values of Blanket BC; generosity, pride and altruism. Ben's giving demeanor has been a great source of inspiration to family (including his little sister Emma) and peers alike. We continuously learn from Ben; his behaviour and love for volunteering is what motivates so many to help others to do the same, which in turns creates a Beautiful Community. Ben is an avid sports enthusiast and shares his passion of competition with his younger sister Emma. He's also an award winning baseball and soccer player and loves spending time hanging out with his many friends. Benjamin is the youngest recipient to receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the British Columbia Country Music Association and recently was honoured in a blanket ceremony by Kwantlen First Nations for his ongoing commitment to helping people in need throughout the Indigenous communities. This is the highest honour one can receive by a First Nations community. " I think it's important to volunteer because it makes you feel good and happy! It also make others feel good and happy!" - Ben Katherine Vinokour - Treasurer
Katherine is a student at University of British Columbia, who got involved with Blanket BC in 2012 while volunteering at the annual “Drive on the line”. Since then, she has been volunteering at many Blanket BC events and has become a respected member on the Board of Directors, as well as recently accepted the important role as Treasurer. Katherine feels a strong responsibility to aid those less fortunate than her and to give back to the community any way she can. She regularly donates blood, and volunteers at her sister’s day care. When she's not studying or volunteering, she can invariably be found horse back riding at many equestrian events.
Katherine’s passion is health and well-being and she is currently working at a walk-in and family clinic. She believes that sometimes the smallest things can make a difference: from simply assisting someone getting on the bus or providing a warm blanket to someone who's cold. Brian Ould - Advisor to the Board |
Brian is our most senior advisor and member of our amazing board. Father of Gregory and Grandfather of Ben, Brian brings to our executive team years of community service. When a young man, Brian served as a police officer for the Toronto Metropolitan Police Force and after serving the community in that capacity, entered into the life of a Printer, like his father Jack before him. Brian is a light-hearted, often comical fella that brings much joy to any board or committee meeting. His life experiences have helped grow Blanket BC into a flourishing organization. He also keeps everyone in line, especially Blanket BC founder, Greg.
Brian took over where Martha, his wife of nearly 50 magical years, ended as a founding board member.
Working with family is very important to Brian and absolutely enjoys every minute of working with Blanket BC, especially when it comes to working side by side with his grandson Ben and granddaughter Emma.
Brian took over where Martha, his wife of nearly 50 magical years, ended as a founding board member.
Working with family is very important to Brian and absolutely enjoys every minute of working with Blanket BC, especially when it comes to working side by side with his grandson Ben and granddaughter Emma.