Helping Those Who Help Others
Supporting and investing in organizations specializing in healthcare, mental health, addictions, homelessness, housing, cultural inequities:
The 625 Powell Street Foundation is the vision of Carl Vanderspek and Margaret Hope.
An impressive couple who have always demonstrated a true passion for helping others as mentors, teachers, business leaders, and thoughtful philanthropists. Throughout their successful rewarding careers and family lives, they have been touched by incredible people doing incredible work. Very early in their lives, these encounters inspired Carl and Marg to help and support others who they recognized as leaders and champions in their fields.
Our motto, “helping those who help others” is inspired by Carl’s humble approach to his foundation’s contributions to those doing incredible work. He is often heard saying of organizations and people he supports; “I do the easy work, these guys do the real work”
Project Spotlight
Globally recognized for the development, (1996), of the breakthrough triple drug therapy, successfully suppressing HIV replication, putting HIV disease into full and lasting remission.
Union Gospel Mission Women & Families Centre providing full continuum of care for women, children, and their whole families for up to 5 years.
A participant-led community for men’s wellness with activity-based clubs prioritizing supportive relationships, engagement in healthcare, and local Indigenous worldviews.
Indigenous Elders with physicians and allied health professionals provide physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care to the community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
A milestone in the drive for affordable housing on Salt Spring Island: Salt Spring Commons consists of 24, two and three-bedroom townhomes designed as long-term rental for Salt Spring families.
A grassroots group of volunteers patrolling Vancouver’s Downtown East Side after dark providing outreach and frontline support.