West Coast Multimillionaires Gift land for parks and donate remainder of their fortune to philanthropy

In a bold move of unparalleled generosity, Eric Peterson and Christina Munck, a couple renowned for their immense wealth and philanthropic efforts, have recently made headlines by fulfilling a promise they made over two decades ago. The vow was not only to live their lives dedicated to philanthropy but also to ensure that by the end of their journey, their bank balances would read zero. This week, they have spectacularly lived up to that promise by donating a significant portion of their wealth and land to conservation and scientific endeavors.

The couple has bequeathed 55 pristine acres of Calvert Island coastline, a gem amidst the remote Central Coast, to the BC Parks Foundation. This donation, celebrated at the grand unveiling of their charity’s newest establishment in the vintage edifice of the Old Victoria Customs House, comes as a gesture to preserve the island’s breath-taking North and West Beach shorelines by integrating them into the Hakai Lúxvbálís Conservancy. This initiative, established back in 2008, has been a collaborative conservation effort by the province along with the Heiltsuk and Wuikinuxv First Nations.

Calvert Island, rich in history and significance for the Indigenous communities that have thrived along these coastal waters for over 13,000 years, holds a sacred spot in the hearts of these communities. The island’s thriving biodiversity, home to myriad marine life, coastal wolves, and the rare sandhill cranes, accentuates its ecological importance. This philanthropic move aims to safeguard these invaluable cultural and environmental treasures.

In addition to the land, Peterson and Munck have delved into their personal reserves to make a monumental monetary donation of $92 million. This substantial contribution is poised to secure the sustainability and further the endeavors of the Tula Foundation and its dominant arm, the Hakai Institute. The Institute emphasizes ecological research, educational initiatives, and community collaboration, fostering a profound engagement with coastal communities. Beyond the borders, through the TulaSalud initiative, the Foundation stretches its philanthropic arms to Central America, supporting health programs aimed at alleviating poverty and bridging inequalities in rural communities.

The inception of the Hakai Institute on Calvert Island came about with the purchase of a former fishing lodge and 200 acres in 2009, establishing a cornerstone for cutting-edge ecological research, conservation efforts, and educational outreach. This endeavor has grown, encompassing multiple research stations and creating significant global scientific contributions, particularly about the B.C. coastal ecosystem. The collaborations and discussions that have emanated from this centre have not only advanced scientific understanding but have fostered a community of scientists committed to environmental stewardship and innovation.

Peterson shared insights on their foundational philosophy of “accompaniment,” which embodies a commitment to long-term engagement, comprehensive perspective-taking, and respectful collaboration with all stakeholders involved. This philosophy underscores their vision of effecting positive, place-based change, with outcomes that ripple across regional and global scales.

The couple credits their motivation for these grand gestures of philanthropy to a conversation many years ago with an Air Force pilot, following the sale of their successful medical imaging company. This exchange inspired them to invest their fortune back into society, ensuring that their wealth circulates to foster positive change rather than sitting idly in bank accounts. Their ultimate goal is to inspire and mobilize others to join in supporting and sustaining the invaluable work initiated by their charity, embodying the true spirit of philanthropy.

In a world increasingly in need of acts of generosity and vision, Eric Peterson and Christina Munck have set a profound example. Their journey from multimillionaires to philanthropic pioneers reflects a deep commitment to environmental conservation, scientific advancement, and societal wellbeing. Their legacy serves not only as an inspiration but as a call to action for others to support and sustain the causes they have championed for the betterment of our planet and future generations.