Not long after he joined, Larry Coleman approached Rick with a request—would he be willing to take on the organization’s expense reports? With a background in IT, Rick gladly stepped up. That willingness to help wherever he’s needed has been a constant throughout his volunteer work.

One of Rick’s most memorable moments happened post-COVID, during the protests outside Vancouver General Hospital. He was transporting a patient to the cancer centre and, due to road closures, barely made it through. In the end, the patient had to walk the last block or two to make her appointment. That moment stuck with Rick:

“Just listening to their stories and the trials and tribulations they’re going through makes you realize how lucky you are.”

When asked what volunteering has taught him, Rick reflects:

“To be a good listener. To recognize how fortunate I am when others are going through so much. And to be grateful for the opportunity to give back.”

Rick describes his experience as fulfilling, empowering, and impactful—and says it best himself:

“Volunteering changes lives.”

Fun fact about Rick: He’s an avid cyclist with an ambitious goal—by the end of this year, he hopes to record 100,000 miles on his bike. He’s cycled across Canada, up to Alaska, along Route 66, and countless other shorter routes. His journey, both on the road and in life, is truly inspiring.