BC Parks Foundation

Changing Lives and Landscapes with Colin Pritchard 

Colin Pritchard from the Okanagan Valley deeply understands the connection between human health and nature.  

That’s why, for over twenty years, The Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation has focused on three pillars for giving—education, healthcare, and conservation. 

Their recent gifts to BC Parks Foundation have been instrumental in protecting places that are home to the stunning trees, plants, animals and natural landscapes that keep BC beautiful, and that help keep us as British Columbians healthy and happy.  

We connected with the 86-year-old retired lawyer at Helen’s Acres Community Farm where we learned more about his philanthropic strategy, and what inspires him to continue giving.

Growing More than Vegetables 

Helen’s Acres Community Farm spans 24 acres that have been donated over time by individuals like Colin. Over eight years, staff and volunteers have grown hundreds of thousands of pounds of food for local families in Central Okanagan. 

“It’s just so wonderful to see,” Colin says, gesturing to the rows of vegetables and volunteers at work. “To see everyone come together and work? I just love the volunteers.” 

Today, to Helen’s Acres, Colin brings his grandfather’s old triangle hoe which he uses to plant broccoli and cabbage seeds. In addition to giving money, this is a way he can help physically in spite of his bad back. “I do what I can.” 

Colin himself is a dedicated, lifelong volunteer, giving his time, resources, and wealth. 

He says, “The organizations that are really doing the work are easy to find,” he says. “And when I find them, I’ll do my best to support them.” 

Last year, his work led him to BC Parks Foundation when he found a group raising money to protect a piece of land on Okanagan Lake’s shore. “And that’s where I ran into Jennie!” he says. 

Jennie McCaffrey of BC Parks Foundation was working with community leaders to raise funds to buy the property: 152 acres of undeveloped shoreline surrounded by Okanagan Mountain Park. 

“Protecting that beautiful spot was exactly the kind of work I wanted to do,” says Colin. “Donating was a no-brainer.” 

From Green Fields to Legal Briefs and Back 

“I was incredibly lucky to grow up in the Okanagan at a time when we spent most of our lives outdoors,” Colin recalls.  

Then, in 1999, after retiring from his law career, he returned to the area. “I was shocked by the damage to our forests and lakes,” he shares. “I knew there was a way to develop responsibly, and that it takes working together.” 

He recalls his childhood spent on that lakeshore, and in the forests of Okanagan Mountain, with his father. “Just being in the woods with my family, the pleasure of the woods themselves, was what I loved. And I hope my grandchildren and their grandchildren can have that same pleasure.” 

Colin encourages others to support BC Parks Foundation, noting that there are many ways to give. “The financial advantages of donating land might surprise some. There are many folks my age with parcels of land. And sometimes, the tax benefit of donating can be as good as selling it! There’s no shortage of reasons to give.”

You can help create the greatest system of parks and Indigenous protected areas in the world. Please consider donating today.