MEET THE TEAM
GREGORY OULD, FOUNDER, CHIEF WARMTH OFFICER
Gregory Ould, affectionately known as 'Mr. Warmth,' seamlessly transitioned from a successful acting career to a dedicated philanthropist. Nearly 18 years ago, alongside his son Benjamin, he initiated a mission to collect blankets, resulting in the distribution of over 695,000 blankets to date, a testament to the unwavering support of the community.
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This compassionate journey is a family affair, with Greg's remarkable daughters, 16-year-old Emma and 3-year-old Zoë, often joining him on charitable endeavors. Beyond his philanthropy, Greg wears multiple hats, serving as an entrepreneur with Simply Done Cleaning & Property Maintenance Ltd. and lending his voice as the Anthem Singer for sports organizations, effectively raising funds and awareness for Blanket BC.
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Greg's commitment extends beyond material contributions; he is a fervent motivational speaker, captivating audiences ranging from kindergarteners to CEOs. His passion for inspiring others is palpable, evident in his dedication to addressing the importance of empathy and instilling a spirit of volunteerism in young hearts.
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Looking ahead, Greg envisions authoring a children's book narrating Blanket BC's origins, with the aim of teaching empathy and nurturing a culture of volunteerism among the youth. Gregory, or 'Mr. Warmth,' not only warms the hearts of those in need with blankets but also ignites a flame of compassion and generosity that reverberates throughout communities.
​Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson proclaimed November 26 as the official Blanket BC Society Day in Vancouver!
"I am honoured to have the love and support of my family and friends...I would like to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey especially Ben, Emma and Zoë! I welcome others to join in and enjoy this journey to help others in need."
BENJAMIN OULD, CO-FOUNDER, BOARD MEMBER
Ben Ould, an alumnus of Mission Secondary School in Mission, BC, has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Blanket BC. Remarkably, his journey with philanthropy began at the tender age of 2 when, alongside his father, he initiated the collection of blankets for the homeless. This early start set the stage for Ben to emerge as one of Canada's youngest nonprofit founders, earning him notable recognition in 2013.
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Presently, Ben not only serves on Blanket BC's Board but also personifies the organization's fundamental values of generosity and altruism. His modest demeanor and compassionate nature serve as a source of inspiration for both his family and peers, fostering a culture of community service that resonates throughout the organization.
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Beyond his humanitarian endeavours, Ben finds joy in sports, gaming, and cherishing moments with his extensive circle of friends. His exceptional contributions to community service have garnered recognition, most notably the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the British Columbia Country Music Association. Additionally, Ben has received a Traditional Blanket Ceremony from the Kwantlen First Nations, a significant honour underscoring his unwavering dedication in assisting Indigenous communities. He shares the latter with his father and younger sister Emma.
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Ben's multifaceted commitment to philanthropy, coupled with his diverse interests and accolades, reflects a remarkable individual who continues to make a lasting impact on both Blanket BC and the communities it serves.
"I think it's important to volunteer because it not only makes you feel good and happy but also brings those the same positive feelings to others!"
ZAHRA ASGARIZADEH, BOARD MEMBER
Zahra Asgarizadeh, originally from Iran, relocated to Canada in 2021. She holds a Ph.D. and previously served as an Associate Professor at University of Art in urban planning, a field where she discovered her passion for helping people experiencing homelessness. An award-winning community planner and published writer, Zahra has made significant contributions to her field.
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In Canada, Zahra worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Victoria, focusing on environmental studies and climate change. She began her career as a professional community planner at CitySpaces Consulting, advocating for affordable housing and supporting those experiencing homelessness. She also serves on the Advisory Planning Commission in the District of Oak Bay.
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An active member of the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters and Night Vision Club, Zahra hones her public speaking, management, and leadership skills. Inspired by her mother’s charitable work, Zahra has been involved in various volunteer activities, including fundraising for the Palestinian people, organizing Jane’s Walk on Broadway, and contributing to the Greater Victoria Green Team from 2021 to 2023. Zahra recently joined Blanket BC in April, 2024 and has already become an incredible asset to our organization with her dedication and enthusiasm.
SHAWN WILLIAMS - BOARD CHAIR, SECRETARY
A native of Lee County, Virginia, Shawn Paul Williams graduated from Thomas Walker High School in 1997. After graduating from Mountain Empire with a degree in Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology, Williams received the Dean's Exceptional Graduate Award after being nominated by Appalachian poet and novelist Rita Sims Quillen.
A theater actor, Williams studied acting under veteran film/television actor Vincent Riotta (“Under the Tuscan Sun”, “Rush”, “Captain Corelli's Mandolin”, “The Dark Knight”), at
the Nashville Film Institute. Shawn has worked with Blanket BC Society as a Blanket Ambassador for over eight years, assisting with advertising, letter writing campaigns, and supervising the annual Drive on the Line fund-raisers. In 2017, Shawn became the first international member of the Blanket BC Society’s Board of Directors when he was elected to the Board as the interim Secretary of the Board. Williams re-joined the Board of Directors in 2022, and is excited to be continuing his work with the organization. In addition to working with Blanket BC Society, Williams is a founding member of Collaborative Productions Incorporated and serves on the Middlesboro Little Theatre’s Board of Directors. Since February 2017, he has served Middlesborough Little Theatre's Board of Directors.
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AMAN SOOD, BOARD MEMBER
We are thrilled to welcome Aman Sood as the newest member of the Blanket BC Board. Aman brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our team. He is an ambitious and goal-driven professional, holding certifications as a Certified Financial Planner and Personal Financial Planner, along with an MBA in Marketing and Finance, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Aman is also CSC and IFIC certified.
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With over 22 years of experience, Aman has excelled in customer service, need-based sales, financial planning, team management, business development, and networking. He has a proven track record of developing and nurturing strong relationships, thanks to his diverse and methodical approach. As an effective communicator, Aman quickly builds trust and confidence, ensuring accurate information exchange across various departments and stakeholders.
Aman is dedicated to helping others achieve financial security, driven by his deep compassion and genuine desire to make a difference. He thrives in social settings, valuing meaningful connections with others. Giving back to the community is a core aspect of his life, and he actively seeks opportunities to contribute positively through both his work and volunteer efforts. Married with a 17-year-old son, Aman’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond his professional life.
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Known for his proactive approach in identifying and resolving inefficient processes, Aman excels in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision. His addition to the Blanket BC Board is sure to enhance our mission and drive our initiatives forward.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024
TJ Lamba, a New Delhi native who relocated to Canada five years ago, boasts a diverse and enriching background. Professionally, he excels as an IT auditor, showcasing a meticulous eye for detail honed through more than seven years in the field. However, TJ's journey extends beyond the realm of IT audit.
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His ventures span event management, finance, and the establishment and operation of his own printing ink factory. Despite the array of experiences, one common thread weaves through TJ's life—a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
A true people's person, TJ thrives on connecting with individuals and offering assistance wherever possible. This commitment to service is not only evident in his professional endeavors but also in his philanthropic pursuits. Back in India, he organized blanket drives, an initiative that reflects his belief in contributing to the welfare of others without expecting anything in return.
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For the past two years, TJ, alongside his family, has dedicated time and effort as volunteers with BlanketBC, further solidifying his dedication to meaningful community engagement. His philosophy is clear: the path to a better world lies in selfless acts of kindness and support. TJ Lamba exemplifies the notion that positive change starts with individuals who are driven by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others.
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Zahra Asgarizadeh, originally from Iran, relocated to Canada in 2021. She holds a Ph.D. and previously served as an Associate Professor at University of Art in urban planning, a field where she discovered her passion for helping people experiencing homelessness. An award-winning community planner and published writer, Zahra has made significant contributions to her field.
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In Canada, Zahra worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Victoria, focusing on environmental studies and climate change. She began her career as a professional community planner at CitySpaces Consulting, advocating for affordable housing and supporting those experiencing homelessness. She also serves on the Advisory Planning Commission in the District of Oak Bay.
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An active member of the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters and Night Vision Club, Zahra hones her public speaking, management, and leadership skills. Inspired by her mother’s charitable work, Zahra has been involved in various volunteer activities, including fundraising for the Palestinian people, organizing Jane’s Walk on Broadway, and contributing to the Greater Victoria Green Team from 2021 to 2023. Zahra recently joined Blanket BC in April, 2024 and has already become an incredible asset to our organization with her dedication and enthusiasm.
NOTABLE SOCIETY ACHIEVEMENTS
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Honoured by Kwantlen First Nations - Traditional Blanket Ceremony - 2018
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Humanitarian Award Winners - BC Country Music Association - 2015
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Recognized in the House of Commons - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2023
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Recognized in the BC Legislature - 2013
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Benjamin Ould, Co-Founder - Recognized as the Youngest Founder of an NPO in Canadian History
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​Proclamation - November 26 Blanket BC Day in Vancouver - Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, BC, Canada