BC Sports Hall of Fame Announces Historic $1 Million Endowment

The BC Sports Hall of Fame is announcing the largest single gift in the 59-year history of the organization.

Ron and Alma Jones, in conjunction with the Ron and Alma Jones Family Foundation (JFF), have established a $1 million endowment fund in favour of the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the BC Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

Left Photo: Alma and Ron Jones / Right Photo: Ron and Alma Jones in 1985 during Ron’s tenure as the President of the BC Lions

It is the intention of the JFF to distribute the earnings of the endowment fund annually – subject to investment returns in the neighbourhood of $50,000 per annum – to be used to support the operations of the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

“We’re pleased to announce this annual funding support for the BC Sports Hall of Fame the same week that the team at the Sports Hall are inducting the Class of 2025, the latest tribute to the athletes, coaches, builders, pioneers, teams and media who have helped shape BC sport history, heritage and culture,” said Ron Jones on behalf of the Ron & Alma Jones Family Foundation.

“It is our family’s way to give back to the Sports Hall and the larger BC sports community in appreciation for all of the inspiration it has provided all of us over the years,” added Jones, who is himself an Honoured Member of the BC Sports Hall of Fame as W.A.C. Bennett Award Holder.

Jones is a former Chair of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, a former director of the BC Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, Eric Whitehead Inspired Service Award winner and recipient of the BC Sports Hall’s Lifetime Leadership & Service Award. He is also a former President of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League – a member of the 1985 BC Lions team that is inducted in the BC Sports Hall of Fame — among countless other roles that he and his family have played in supporting sports and wellbeing in British Columbia.

“Coming as it does on the cusp of the 60^th Anniversary year of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, this is a veritable game changer for the Hall and all those who believe in the inspirational lift that sport history provides to the next generation of young British Columbians; the next wave of community leaders that will help build the future in British Columbia and Canada,” said Tom Mayenknecht, chair of the BC Sports Hall of Fame. “We believe this effort on behalf of the Jones Family Foundation will inspire further engagement and generosity from those who believe in the work of the BC Sports Hall of Fame.”

Mayenknecht said the BC Sports Hall of Fame will use the Jones Family Foundation gift to help kickstart the internal first phase of a special 60^th Anniversary fundraising campaign that will run through to the fall of 2026.

The BC Sports Hall is also working closely with its Foundation to promote multiple access points for prospective donors, from modest annual donations to longer-term estate planning and planned giving in support of the Sports Hall. More information will be provided through the Sports Hall’s website and social media channels, along with direct communications with Honoured Members and other key supporters of the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the BC Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.