Richard is a passionate philanthropist and active community volunteer. His work spans youth mentorship, community leadership, and charitable fundraising, reflecting a belief that success should always be shared.
- Founder, 100 Kids Who Care Kelowna
- Current Board of Directors Member, Kelowna Art Gallery
- Past-Committee Member, Opera Kelowna
- Past-President, National Advertising Benevolent Society (inducted into the Canadian Advertising Hall of Honor, 2008)
- Past Director, Arts Umbrella Children’s Charity
- Past Judge, Courage to Come Back Awards
- Mentor of the Year, Vancouver Board of Trade Leaders of Tomorrow Program
- Past Chair, Union Gospel Mission Women & Children’s Ministry Campaign (also active volunteer in kitchen + after-school programs)
- Immediate Past-President, Nicola Valley Food Bank
- Campaign Cabinet Member, UBC Business Families Centre
- Past Director, Board of Governors, Fraser Valley Elementary School
- Parent Advisory Council Secretary & Student Council mentor, Chute Lake Elementary, Kelowna
- Scouts Canada Leader, Lower Mission
- Head Coach, Central Okanagan Youth Soccer
- Finalist, National Top 40 Under 40 Award (2006)
- Finalist, Fred Macklin Community Man of the Year Award (2018)
- Finalist, Okanagan Real Estate Board Realtor’s Care Awards (2017, 2018, 2019)
In 2016, Richard and his family created the Ron + Clair Deacon Leaders Pay it Forward Mentorship Program in Reston, Manitoba. The five-year, $10,000 commitment pairs high school students with community leaders and guest speakers from around the world. Students determine the best charitable use of funds, empowering them to lead projects such as leadership training, a water safety program, and a local playground.
Since 2019, Richard’s sustainable giving program donates $500 from every transaction to the client’s charity of choice. To date, this program has contributed more than $150,000 to countless charities across Canada.
