Meet Our Amazing Executive TeamBlanket BC Society 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.
Left to Right: Vanessa Valentyne, Tony Ivan O'Hara, Gregory Ould, Cory Laviolette, Katherine Vinokour, Melody Laviolette, Brian Ould and Suzan Noori.
Gregory Ould Co-Founder, Executive Director
Gregory, a former comedic actor and salesman, 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 400,000 blankets to date! Greg's energetic 10 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.
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 me in my journey. I welcome others to join in and enjoy this road to help others in need." -Greg Contact Gregory @ gregory.ould@blanketbc.org or call 778-242-9940 Benjamin Ould Co-Founder, Honorary Director
Ben, now 15 years old and currently a grade 10 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 behavior 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 for his ongoing commitment to helping people in need through Blanket BC Society. " I think it's important to volunteer because it makes you feel good and happy! It also make others feel good and happy!" - Ben Melody Kerr - Secretary
Melody Kerr joined our team in 2015 fter a year of volunteering. A long term employee of Global Television with many years of volunteering, Melody goes above and beyond when possible. S
Her can do attitude along with her great interpersonal and administrative skills, she is a huge asset to our Blanket BC . Melody's years volunteering on the crisis line and at First United homeless shelter at Gore and Hastings, gives her an acute understanding at the issues and challenges that are occurring in our city and surrounding communities. She is extremely passionate about helping the less fortunate in our community and strongly believes that every human deserves respect. Melody is the reciepient of Corus Entertainment's "Show We Care Community Service Award". "Be the Change you would like to see in the world…" - Melody Suzan Noori - Director
Suzan has been a member of Blanket BC since 2010. Our longest running Board Member Suzan plays a vital part in planning and executing Blanket BC's annual "Drive on the Line" campaign. Suzan is an important part of our executive team. Suzan is an avid volunteer, volunteering three days week in the psychiatric units for two hospitals. She works with people who have Mental Health issues doing various activities and exercises with them or sometimes just talking to them. Her passion in life is Mental Health and she is currently pursuing her degree in that field.
"It is important to remember that homelessness isn't a way of life for most people, it's a situation that some people find themselves in because of lack of proper support and guidance." -Suzan Contact Suzan @ suzan.noori@BlanketBC.org 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 Blankets BC events and has become a member on the Board of Directors. 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 being charitable.
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.