Donor spotlight: Paralympian Patrick Jarvis a champion on and off the field

As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada (PFC) marks 10 years of building a stronger and more inclusive sport system, one name has been there from the beginning – Patrick Jarvis, a Paralympian, sport leader, and one of the earliest champions of PFC’s vision.

Jarvis, who competed at the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games in Para athletics, has spent nearly four decades immersed in Para sport – as an athlete, advocate, board member, and donor. His impact spans every level of the system, from community initiatives to international policy.

“Sport has always been front and centre in my life,” Jarvis shared. “And so has the Paralympic Movement. I’ve always believed in giving back – whether that’s time, talent, or treasure.”

That philosophy has guided Jarvis since his early involvement with the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), where he served as president from 1999 to 2006. He was also on the International Paralympic Committee’s governing board for 12 years. In fact, Jarvis played a direct role in shaping the early development of what would eventually become the Paralympic Foundation of Canada.

“I actually helped run a precursor to the Foundation for a time out of Toronto,” he recalled. “So, when the Foundation was formally launched in 2014, I knew how critical it would be to the future of Para sport in Canada.”

Soon after, he became one of PFC’s first monthly donors – a role he still holds today.

“Monthly giving creates continuity,” he explained. “It keeps you connected. Even if you don’t have deep pockets, it’s a way to stay involved in something meaningful, every single month.”

While Jarvis’s own giving journey goes back even further – including running a marathon to raise funds for CPC – it’s the consistency of monthly giving that he believes makes the biggest impact over time.

Among the many initiatives PFC has launched, one in particular stands out to him: ParaTough Cup.

“It’s a brilliant event,” he said. “Not just for the funds it raises, but for the awareness it builds. People walk away with a deeper understanding of what Para sport is all about. That kind of engagement is priceless.”

Looking ahead, Jarvis is passionate about ensuring more people, especially those who have experienced the Paralympic Movement firsthand, step forward to support it.

“If you’ve worn the maple leaf as a Paralympian, I’d encourage you to consider monthly giving,” he said. “It’s a way to stay connected and show your commitment. And for past CPC board members, I’d say the same. Many of us have seen how far we’ve come. Now it’s time to help push even further.”

As Canada sets its sights on the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and beyond, it’s clear that long-time leaders like Jarvis are still helping drive the Paralympic sport forward — not only through his actions, but through his example.

Thanks to donors like him, the Paralympic Foundation of Canada has built more than a funding model. It’s built a community.

And that community is stronger because of champions like Patrick Jarvis.

As the Paralympic Foundation of Canada celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Patrick’s story is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy in sport. Through the unwavering support of donors, Canada’s Paralympians continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities, and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Donate today. Help IGNITE the future of Para sport.