At the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation (PQCF), our Board of Directors plays an essential role in guiding the Foundation’s work to support and strengthen Oceanside communities. Each board member brings their own experiences, values, and passion for community building.
In this Board Member Spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce Peter van Dongen, who shares what inspired him to join the board and why he believes community foundations play such an important role in shaping the future.
Inspired by Legacy and Community
Peter joined the PQCF Board in 2023, but his connection to the Foundation began on a more personal level.
Having lived in the Oceanside area for over 20 years, Peter was drawn to the idea of bringing together local donors to meet local needs. The long-term vision of the foundation model—building funds that will support the community for generations—resonated deeply with him.
His involvement became especially meaningful following the unexpected passing of his father-in-law, Colin Springford, in 2021. A respected businessman, farmer, and community leader, Colin quietly lived by the principle, “Always leave a place better than you found it.”
In honour of his legacy, Peter and his family established the Springford Family Foundation through PQCF.
“Creating the fund has been a meaningful way to carry his legacy forward,” Peter shares. “It also inspired me to join the Board and help raise awareness so others can experience the same opportunity to give back.”
Investing in Community and Youth
For Peter, Oceanside represents not only a beautiful place to live, but also a shared responsibility.
“We are fortunate to live in an incredible part of the world,” he says. “I believe we all have a role to be good stewards of our community and make it even better.”
He is especially passionate about investing in youth and supporting the development of future leaders. Growing up on a dairy farm, Peter also values the importance of local agriculture and food production.
More broadly, he believes that collaboration across communities and organizations is key to building a stronger, more connected region.
Looking Ahead
Peter sees the Foundation at an exciting point in its evolution. He acknowledges the vision of the original founders in 1999 and the many contributors who have helped grow PQCF into an organization that now distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in grants and scholarships.
“At the same time, it feels like we’re just getting started,” he says.
With a dedicated Board and the recent addition of the Foundation’s first Executive Director, Charlene Smith, Peter believes PQCF is well-positioned for continued growth and greater community impact.
“I’m excited to see what we can achieve over the next 5, 10, and 20 years as we continue to build the Foundation.”
Why Community Foundations Matter
Peter describes a community foundation as a “permanent savings account” for the community—one where impact grows and compounds over time.
But beyond financial support, he emphasizes the importance of relationships.
“The real strength of a community is rooted in connection,” he explains. “PQCF plays a key role in bringing people together and fostering partnerships across the region.”
These connections allow the Foundation to stay responsive and aligned with the evolving needs of the community it serves.
About Peter
Peter van Dongen joined the PQCF Board in 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair, as well as Chair of the Fund Development and Marketing Committee.
He grew up on a dairy farm in Abbotsford and holds a degree in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. Since moving to Vancouver Island in 2005, he has made his home in Nanoose Bay with his wife and two children.
Professionally, Peter is a business advisor and facilitator with MNP, where he leads business development strategy for Vancouver Island. He brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development, and leadership development.
A natural connector, Peter is actively involved in several community initiatives, including 100 Fine Gentlemen of Oceanside Who Give a Damn and the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. He also mentors youth through programs like 100 Kids for Change Oceanside and the Oceanside Junior Railroaders Club.
Peter’s leadership, experience, and commitment to community help support PQCF’s mission to strengthen and sustain Oceanside for generations to come.