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Every once in a generation, an organization is fortunate enough to be shaped—quietly, steadfastly, and profoundly—by someone whose commitment extends far beyond the boundaries of any job description. At Hope Mountain Centre, that person has long been Kelly Pearce . With full hearts, we celebrate not only Kelly’s many years of extraordinary service to Hope Mountain Centre and to the broader community, but also the meaningful and well-deserved national recognition he has recently received: the Canada Volunteer Award for “Community Leadership” for British Columbia and the Yukon . This award celebrates individuals who strengthen communities through passion, commitment, and generosity. And for anyone who has worked with Kelly, explored the outdoors with him, or simply watched him quietly uplift others, this honour feels deeply fitting. Inspiring Tens of Thousands Through Nature Kelly’s journey as a community leader began long before Hope Mountain Centre took root. Through his early years as a park interpreter and naturalist , he inspired tens of thousands of people  to discover wonder in the natural world. His programs sparked curiosity, built stewardship, and invited people to see nature not just as a place, but as a relationship. No matter the season, Kelly has always found ways to bring people together outside. And for him, sharing nature isn’t just an activity—it’s an invitation into community. The Outdoors as a Gathering Place Anyone who knows Kelly knows how much joy he finds in moving across a frozen lake with a pair of skates. Every winter, he organizes wild skating outings , guiding groups onto glass-clear ice for unforgettable days of laughter, beauty, and shared adventure. Wild skating is one of his personal passions, and he loves introducing others to the magic of it. But the gatherings don’t stop there. Kelly regularly leads group hikes , snowshoe adventures , and spontaneous outings whenever the weather, seasons, and spirits align. These moments are pure Kelly—welcoming, energizing, and deeply connective. Whether people show up as strangers or friends, they leave feeling part of something bigger. A Builder of Community Traditions Kelly’s leadership isn’t confined to trails and lakes. He has always been one of the great community-builders of Hope. Every Halloween—his favourite holiday—he transforms the season into something magical. Kelly brings the community together for a group pumpkin-carving event  that delights kids of all ages (including the grown-up ones). With laughter, creativity, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, he creates a space where families feel welcomed and where the simple joy of making something together becomes a cherished memory. A man of varied interests, always rooted in community, place and history, he was active in the Hope Film Club , contributing his energy, enthusiasm, and love for storytelling to help bring people together through films and shared conversations. No matter the occasion, Kelly shows up with kindness, humour, and a readiness to help. If someone needs a hand—setting up, taking down, hauling gear, guiding groups, or simply offering support—Kelly is the first to pitch in. Hope Mountain Centre’s “Mother Tree” Kelly was instrumental in the dreaming and creation of Hope Mountain Centre. Over the years, he has served as an educator, Program Director , and now Trails Director , helping the organization grow, adapt, and flourish. Among staff and volunteers, he is often called our “Mother Tree” —a steady, nurturing presence whose roots run deep, offering stability, guidance, and care to all who join the organization. His mentorship, compassion, and grounded leadership have shaped the culture of Hope Mountain Centre as much as any trail, program, or event. Community Recognition of a Life of Service Kelly’s nomination for the Canada Volunteer Award was lovingly put forward by his brother Rod, and was supported by many community leaders who have seen firsthand the extraordinary reach of Kelly’s service. Their letters echoed what we at Hope Mountain Centre know so well: Kelly doesn’t seek the spotlight—he creates spaces where others can shine. Receiving the Canada Volunteer Award for Community Leadership  is a national acknowledgement of everything Kelly has poured into this region for decades. It honours his service, but also the way he has shaped hearts, landscapes, and community spirit. Thank You, Kelly On behalf of everyone at Hope Mountain Centre—past and present—thank you. Thank you for your tireless work, your limitless generosity, and your profound love for this place and the people who call it home. Thank you for the trails you’ve built and restored, the outings you’ve led, the pumpkins you’ve carved with kids on crisp October nights, the films you’ve shared, and the countless moments of joy, support, and leadership you’ve given this community. Thank you for being our colleague, mentor, educator, adventurer, trail-builder, and friend. We are grateful beyond words—and so proud to see your contributions recognized on a national stage. Congratulations, Kelly. You embody the spirit of community leadership, and we are honoured to walk this path with you.

We’re excited to share that Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning  is now registered with Return-It  — making it easier than ever to support our charity while caring for the planet! You can now donate the refund from your empty beverage containers  directly to us through the Return-It Express program. Every can and bottle helps fund our outdoor education, recreation, and conservation programs that connect people of all ages to nature. You can choose to: Donate to our general fund , allowing us to direct your gift where it’s needed most, or Specify a program  you’d like to support. And remember — we automatically issue tax receipts for donations of $25 or more. Getting started is simple: Log in to your account through the Return-It App  (available on Google Play and the iOS App Store). Don’t have an account? Sign up for free here. Donate to Hope Mountain Centre using our link: https://app.return-it.ca/hopemountaincentreforoutdoorlearning Choose between auto-donations  or a one-time donation . Return your empty beverage containers to any Return-It Express  location — every container counts! Together, we can keep bottles out of landfills and keep outdoor education thriving in our community. 🌿

Dear supporters of HMCOL,   We are writing to share some important news regarding our organization. After careful consideration and numerous discussions, the Hope Mountain Black Bear Committee (HMBBC) will be separating from Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning (HMCOL).   After working together for 13 years, the decision to part ways was not made lightly. We are thankful for the significant contributions that HMBBC has made to our organization and to our community. Their work has been invaluable, and we have immense respect for their dedication and the positive impact they've had. During this time of transition one important change to note is that as of February 2025 we will no longer be accepting donations or grant funding on behalf of/for HMBBC work. Our support for their mission remains strong so we continue to encourage supporting their efforts directly. If you would like to financially support their ongoing work or volunteer with them, please contact HMBBC founder Lydia Koot per their Facebook post directly at lydia.koot@icloud.com, lkoot@gmail.com or 604-206-0415 . Note that only donations made to registered charities are tax receiptable.   We are grateful for the time we've spent working alongside HMBBC and for their many achievements including: ·         HMBBC had a significant amount of volunteer hours working with HMCOL, including 2,052 in 2024. ·         Their  volunteer-run committee educated the public on how to reduce human-bear conflicts through education, cooperation and community support. ·         Large reduction in the number of bears killed due to their presence in residential areas. ·         By canvassing in residential areas with bear sightings, they provided education on how to avoid attracting bears into the neighbourhood. ·         The gleaning program drastically reduced the number of bears shot in the Hope area. No bears have been shot in a fruit tree in the 13 years since starting this program. ·         Friends of the Skagit, while discontinued, was successfully operated by HMBBC for many years. ·         HMBBC researched best practices in other communities in the province for garbage bylaws and bins and presented to the District of Hope mayor and council. Through their efforts, bylaws have been put in place to allow fines for garbage and fruit accumulation that would attract bears. ·         Conducted rescues of orphaned cubs under strict guidelines and with permission of area conservation officers.    As we move forward, HMCOL remains committed to our mission to strengthen people’s connection with nature in many different ways. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time of change.   Warm regards,   The HMCOL Team

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