Mel Zajac has devoted more than 50 years of his life to giving back to the community and has raised more than $25 million for charities and community projects.

A successful BC businessman and one of the originators of modern development in Vancouver’s West End, Mel has constructed 22 buildings.

He is a hard worker and generous person who responded to the tragic loss of both his sons to sporting accidents within a few months of each other by dedicating himself to bettering the lives of children with special needs and seniors with disabilities.

Through the Mel Jr. and Marty Zajac Foundation, created to honour his two sons, Mel has raised millions and spearheaded community projects throughout British Columbia. He sponsored Mission’s Sandcastle Developmental Preschool for children with special needs, the Variety Park Playground, Zajac Norgate House in North Vancouver for seniors with disabilities and renovation of UBC Hospital’s In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory.

Mel’s most ambitious project has been the Zajac Ranch for Children at Stave Lake. Since 2004, the ranch has welcomed thousands of children with medical needs who would otherwise not be able to go to camp.

Mel, a Member of the Order of Canada, is an outstanding example of putting service ahead of self.