Parkinson Society British Columbia

What Parkinson Society British Columbia does

Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) is a registered Canadian charitable nonprofit (Registration: 11880 1240 RR0001) founded in 1969, headquartered at 1021 W Hastings St, 9th Floor, Vancouver, BC. It delivers free clinical services, peer support, education, and advocacy to over 17,500 British Columbians living with Parkinson's disease. The organization's core offerings span a hybrid in-person and virtual delivery model: 50+ support groups across BC (including specialized groups for Young Onset, caregivers, and newly diagnosed), free virtual physiotherapy with neuro-specialist Shelly Yu, short-term counselling and healthcare navigation, one-on-one consultations, a Lending Library, the YouthConnect program for ages 17-26 with affected family members, Aware in Care hospital preparedness kits, and a digital Resource Centre consolidating 500+ curated resources. For healthcare professionals, PSBC operates the PD Connect® referral program, PD Warrior Level 1 and Level 2 training courses, a continuing education bursary program (six $1,000 bursaries annually), and the quarterly Viewpoints magazine.

Revenue is generated entirely through donations rather than service fees, across eight streams: individual one-time and monthly recurring donations, $25 annual household memberships, tribute gifts, estate/planned gifts (wills, RRIFs/RRSPs, charitable remainder trusts, annuities, life insurance), appreciated securities donations, corporate and employee giving, vehicle donations via Donate a Car Canada, and third-party community fundraisers. Major fundraising events include Parkinson SuperWalk (held September 12, 2026 across 10+ BC communities) and the 10th annual Full Throttle car and motorcycle show (May 31, 2026, raising $17,142.43). Marketing spans a website, monthly Good News e-publication, social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), and Parkinson's Awareness Month campaigns covering transit, radio, 20+ libraries, 30+ community centres, and landmark lighting at Canada Place, Vancouver Convention Centre, and YVR across five BC regions.

Strategic partnerships include the Pacific Parkinson Research Centre (PPRC), Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), Parkinson Canada's Research Program, PD Avengers (global alliance), PD Warrior (training licensing), Parkinson Wellness Projects and UBC's BRAIN Team (medication support groups), and a pro bono legal services partnership with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Hayman Law. PSBC's sustained advocacy has produced two measurable healthcare-system outcomes: BC PharmaCare Special Authority coverage for Duodopa therapy (December 2020) and the BC Ministry of Health's hiring of a second Deep Brain Stimulation neurosurgeon, Dr. Stefan Lang (May 2023). The organization is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors with no parent company, subsidiaries, or equity ownership structure.

Name

Parkinson Society British Columbia

Legal name

Parkinson Society British Columbia

Website

https://parkinson.bc.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Parkinson Society British Columbia is a registered charitable nonprofit, founded in 1969, that delivers free clinical services, peer support, education, and advocacy to over 17,500 British Columbians affected by Parkinson's disease through 50+ support groups, virtual physiotherapy, and a digital Resource Centre.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Patient Support Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Parkinson’s & Movement-Disorder Personal Care Support (HSABABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Neurologic Rehabilitation (Stroke, TBI, Parkinson’s, MS) (HSADAIAC), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Neurorehabilitation Centers (HLAFAFAH), Neurological Rehabilitation Therapy In-Home (e.g., Stroke, Parkinson’s) (HSABADAE), Home Health Physical Therapy & Mobile PT (HSADAIAO)

Keywords

• Parkinson's disease support
• Neurological patient services
• Peer support networks
• Nonprofit healthcare advocacy
• Chronic disease resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and monthly donations from individuals supporting the Parkinson's community. Monthly donors receive one annual tax receipt; gifts of $500+ may be recognized in Annual Report.
2. Membership: Annual membership valid January 1 to December 31, covering all household residents. Provides access to Viewpoints magazine, event discounts, lending library, and voting rights at AGM.
3. Tribute Gifts: Donations made in honour of living individuals or in memory of deceased loved ones, with notification sent to honorees or families.
4. Estate Gifts: Planned gifts through wills, registered plans (RRIFs/RRSPs), charitable remainder trusts, annuities, and life insurance beneficiary designations.
5. Securities Donations: Donation of appreciated publicly listed securities, with complete elimination of tax payable on gifts of public securities since 2006.
6. Corporate Giving: Corporate and employee giving programs including one-time events, fundraising campaigns, payroll deductions, and workplace volunteer opportunities.
7. Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donations through Donate a Car Canada partnership. Vehicles sold at auction or recycled, with proceeds directed to PSBC and tax receipts issued.
8. Third-Party Fundraising Events: Community-organized fundraising events ( bake sales, tournaments, concerts, etc.) with PSBC providing promotional support, branded materials, and optional tax receipting for eligible donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Parkinson Society British Columbia delivers free clinical services, peer support, education, and curated resources to over 17,500 British Columbians living with Parkinson's disease. Core offerings include virtual physiotherapy, counselling and healthcare navigation, a network of 50+ support groups, and a Resource Centre with 500+ trusted materials. The organization also funds professional training, conducts advocacy, and runs community fundraising events including the annual Parkinson SuperWalk.

Product overview

Parkinson Society British Columbia is a non-profit organization established in 1969 that delivers free, BC-specific clinical services, peer support, and education to over 17,500 British Columbians living with Parkinson's disease. The organization offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including a Resource Centre with over 500 resources, Support Groups (50+ across BC), Counselling & Healthcare Navigation, Consultations, Virtual Physiotherapy, Lending Library, YouthConnect for young adults, Aware in Care hospital preparedness kits, and Viewpoints quarterly magazine. For healthcare professionals, PSBC provides PD Connect® referral program, Continuing Education Bursary Program, and PD Warrior training courses. The organization also runs education and exercise programs such as Tai Chi, Boxing, Yoga, Mindfulness, and SongShine. Fundraising activities include Parkinson SuperWalk and Full Throttle car show. The organization advocates for improved care including Deep Brain Stimulation access and Duodopa coverage under BC PharmaCare.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PD Connect®: A program designed to empower healthcare professionals in British Columbia by providing them with an easy way to refer individuals with Parkinson's disease, as well as their families, to Parkinson Society British Columbia's support services.
• Aware in Care
• YouthConnect

Products and services

• Resource Centre A comprehensive digital hub offering over 500 trusted resources including articles, videos, booklets, and educational materials for people living with Parkinson's, carepartners, and healthcare professionals.
• Support Groups Network of over 50 online and in-person support groups across British Columbia, including specialized groups for people with Parkinson's, caregivers, and families.
• Counselling & Healthcare Navigation Free, short-term, non-crisis counselling and healthcare navigation services including short-term psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and healthcare system navigation support.
• Consultations One-on-one consultations with compassionate staff providing guidance on diagnosis understanding, workplace issues, family communication, future planning, and caregiving support.
• Virtual Physiotherapy Free virtual physiotherapy service delivered by neurophysiotherapist Shelly Yu for individuals with Parkinson's facing financial or geographic barriers, providing phone or video-conferencing sessions.
• Lending Library Exclusive member service offering a collection of books, DVDs, CDs, and other media items for borrowing to deepen understanding of Parkinson's disease.
• YouthConnect Program for young adults ages 17-26 who have a parent or close family member with Parkinson's, offering online support groups and in-person meetups across BC.
• Aware in Care Hospital preparedness kit with tools and resources to help mitigate risks people with Parkinson's face in hospital environments, including medication forms and communication aids.
• Viewpoints Magazine Quarterly magazine featuring the latest news, interviews with experts, research updates, and practical tips for living well with Parkinson's disease.
• Education, Activity & Exercise Programs Various exercise and education programs including Balance Exercise Series, Boxing with Rhythm, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, Mindfulness Mondays, SongShine, and Communication & Swallow Workshop.
• PD Connect Program enabling healthcare professionals to refer individuals with Parkinson's and their families to Parkinson Society BC's support services including counselling, workshops, and resources.
• Continuing Education Bursary Program Bursary program offering up to six scholarships of $1,000 annually for exercise instructors and healthcare professionals pursuing Parkinson's-specific training.
• PD Warrior Training Courses Evidence-based neuro-active exercise approach courses (Level 1 and Level 2) for healthcare professionals, subsidized by PSBC to increase Parkinson's-specific training in BC communities.
• Parkinson SuperWalk Annual province-wide fundraising walk held in September supporting essential services, advocacy efforts, and groundbreaking research for people with Parkinson's in BC.
• Full Throttle Annual car and motorcycle show and shine fundraiser celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
• Advocacy Services Advocacy efforts focused on improving patient outcomes through education and development of provincial strategies for timely, knowledgeable, and effective care, including Deep Brain Stimulation access and Duodopa coverage.
• Volunteer Programs Various volunteer opportunities including SuperWalk volunteers, support group facilitators, and advocacy ambassadors.
• Donation & Membership Programs Multiple giving options including one-time donations, monthly giving, membership, gifts in wills, and corporate giving programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving over 17,500 British Columbians with Parkinson's
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth research funding organization that empowers British Columbia's best and brightest health researchers. Partnership supports advancing Parkinson's research in BC.
• Pacific Parkinson Research Centre (PPRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of Excellence for diagnosis and management of Parkinson's Disease and related disorders, conducting preclinical, clinical and population studies. Mission is to act as a Centre of Excellence for diagnosis and management of PD.
• PD AvengersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal alliance of people with Parkinson's standing together to demand change in how the disease is seen and treated. Partnership includes collaboration on Spark the Night initiative for World Parkinson's Day.
• Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP & Hayman LawminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership providing free legal services to people with Parkinson's in BC, addressing issues including workplace discrimination, accommodation/service discrimination, and wrongful denial of disability insurance or government services.
• Donate a Car CanadaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle donation processing partner that manages the entire donation process from start to finish, including towing, sale/recycling, and directing proceeds to PSBC. Issues tax receipts on behalf of PSBC.
• Improv for Work and WellnessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Summer Social: Improv for Parkinson's events, using improvisation skills to support life with Parkinson's through interactive social experiences.
• Parkinson Wellness ProjectsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on free online medication support groups for Parkinson's disease, developed with registered pharmacists and the BRAIN Team at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• PD WarriorcoreOthersEvidence-based neuro-active exercise approach created in Australia by Dr. Melissa McConaghy. PSBC offers PD Warrior Level 1 and Level 2 courses to healthcare professionals, with Shelly Yu serving as a Level 5 PD Warrior trainer.
• Parkinson's FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS-based organization partnered with PSBC to offer the 'Aware in Care' hospital preparedness kit, with digital tools still accessible for download after physical kit distribution ended.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Parkinson Canada: National Parkinson's organization operating across Canada with research funding, advocacy, and support services. Direct peer given PSBC is a financial supporter of Parkinson Canada's Research Program and both share mission focus on the Parkinson's community.
• Parkinson Québec: Provincial Parkinson's organization serving Quebec residents. Closest structural analog to PSBC given the parallel provincial-scope model, free services, support groups, and disease-specific advocacy focus.
• Parkinson Society Alberta: Provincial Parkinson's organization serving Alberta. Highly comparable to PSBC in scope, services (support groups, education, exercise programs), and provincial nonprofit fundraising model.

Emerging players

• Huntington Society of Canada: National nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease. Comparable to PSBC in disease-specific support model, family/caregiver focus, and advocacy for treatment access.

Broad incumbents

• Alzheimer Society of British Columbia: BC-based nonprofit supporting people affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Comparable to PSBC in geographic scope, free clinical/support service delivery, advocacy posture, and donor-funded nonprofit model.
• Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada: National organization supporting Canadians affected by MS. Comparable to PSBC given the parallel neurodegenerative disease focus, support group network, advocacy, and free information/resource delivery model.
• ALS Society of British Columbia: BC-based nonprofit providing support and advocacy for people living with ALS. Direct structural peer to PSBC given parallel provincial disease-specific nonprofit model, free support services, equipment lending, and government advocacy.
• Arthritis Society Canada: National charity funding arthritis research and delivering support services. Comparable to PSBC in chronic disease focus, free information/resources, healthcare professional education, and donor-funded support delivery model.

Regional players

• Brain Injury Alliance of British Columbia: BC-based nonprofit supporting people affected by acquired brain injury. Comparable to PSBC given parallel BC geographic scope, support group network, and free community-based service delivery.
• Spinal Cord Injury BC: BC-based nonprofit providing support to people with spinal cord injury. Comparable to PSBC given the BC geographic scope, peer support network, healthcare professional partnerships, and free service delivery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ParkinsonSocietyBC
• Facebookfacebook.com/ParkinsonSocietyBritishColumbia
• Instagraminstagram.com/parkinsonsbc
• Xx.com/parkinsonsbc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/parkinson-society-british-columbia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Parkinson Society British Columbia