Members of the York House School community were well represented at the recent AFP National Philanthropy Day’s “Giving Hearts Awards”.
Arran and Ratana Stephens are parents to alumnae Shanti (Stephens) Schramm ’87, Gurdeep Stephens ’91 and Jyoti Stephens ’95. On November 23rd, they received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award for their incredibly generous charitable contributions to BC Children’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital. Founders of Nature’s Path Foods, the Stephens started their company over 30 years ago in Vancouver. From its humble beginnings and guided by the wisdom of Arran’s father, Rupert, to “Always leave the soil better than you found it”, the organic breakfast and snack foods company has flourished and is still family-run.
In their own words: “We support BC Children’s Hospital not because our family has benefitted, but because we want all British Columbian families to avail of its services in helping children overcome overwhelming health issues. We all benefit from the excellent care this hospital provides.” – Arran and Ratana Stephens
Also honoured was Yorkie grandparent Yik Fung Au-Yeung, the recipient of the Giving Hearts Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism Award.
Mr. Yik Fung Au-Yeung began volunteering more than 40 years ago. A retired accountant, he has been a member of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Asian Giving Committee for over 30 years; he joined VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s first planned giving committee over 25 years ago; and he helped BC Children’s Hospital Foundation found its Chinese-Canadian Community Planned Gifts Committee 13 years ago. At 90 years old, his dedication to philanthropy is an inspiration.