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 A. Paul Singh, who shares what inspired him to join the board and why he believes community foundations play such an important role in shaping the future.
A Career Rooted in Understanding People
Paul is a psychotherapist in private practice, based in Qualicum Beach. He began his career as a lawyer before moving into social work, counselling, and nonprofit leadership more than three decades ago. Along the way, his experience has included frontline clinical work, program leadership, and serving as CEO of a nonprofit employee assistance program.
Across all of these roles, Paul has sought to help people and organizations understand difficult problems and respond in practical, humane ways—a perspective he now brings to his work with the Foundation.
Since moving to Qualicum Beach, Paul has made a deliberate effort to become involved in local life. He serves on the board of the Society of Organized Services (SOS), where he chairs its Community Engagement Committee, and contributes to 100 Men Who Give a Damn and other local volunteer efforts.
“Since moving to Oceanside a few years ago, I have come to see it as the place I will likely call home for the rest of my life,” Paul shares. “That has deepened my desire to contribute to the community, particularly to work that strengthens care, connection and dignity. PQCF offers a practical, long-term way to support that goal.”
Seeing What’s Easy to Overlook
For Paul, community wellbeing means looking beneath the surface.
“A community can look prosperous from the outside while many needs remain hidden,” he explains. “I care about ensuring that people who are isolated, struggling or easy to overlook are seen, and that local needs are understood and addressed with compassion, sound judgment and practical support.”
Looking Ahead
Paul joins PQCF at a pivotal moment in its development. “I am excited to join PQCF at an important stage in its development, as it grows its endowment, strengthens its staff capacity and continues its transition to a governance-focused board,” he says. “I look forward to listening, learning and contributing where I can as the Foundation broadens its reach and strengthens its ability to serve the community.”
Why Community Foundations Matter
Paul believes a community foundation offers something rare.
“A community foundation can do something few institutions can: listen across the community and take a longer view than any single organization, project or funding cycle,” he says. “By understanding local needs, supporting capable organizations and connecting thoughtful donors with credible local work, it can help build a stronger and more caring community over time.”
About Paul
A. Paul Singh is a psychotherapist in private practice based in Qualicum Beach. He began his career as a lawyer before moving into social work, counselling, and nonprofit leadership more than 30 years ago, including roles in frontline clinical work, program leadership, and as CEO of a nonprofit employee assistance program.
Paul serves on the board of the Society of Organized Services (SOS), where he chairs its Community Engagement Committee, and is active with 100 Men Who Give a Damn and other local volunteer initiatives. Paul joined the PQCF Board because he values the Foundation’s ability to support strong local organizations, encourage thoughtful generosity, and take a long-term view of the community’s well-being.