History

Our journey began in 2004 when leaders of several major faith-based organizations and church denominations in Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley came together to form the Vancouver Whistler Games Network (VWGN). It quickly became apparent that interest was being expressed by a remarkable – in fact, unprecedented – range of faith-based groups. In 2008, VWGN launched ‘More Than Gold’ (MTG).

What’s in a Name?

The name and identity of ‘More Than Gold’ has previously been successfully used to express Christian purpose and example at past major sporting events such as the Commonwealth, Pan Am, and Olympic Games. In fact, the More Than Gold theme and logo carries a history that dates back past the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. It was developed by the International Sports Coalition in association with the Southern Baptist Convention, a non-profit organization mandated to coordinate the volunteer efforts of the faith community.

MTG was designed specifically to serve as an integrated identity for faith-based hospitality without overstepping any denominational or belief boundaries as well as any existing and established brands, particularly that of institutions such as the Olympic Games.

Vision statement

To connect and coordinate the community in working together on initiatives before, during and after the 2010 Games; building a momentum that becomes a tipping point toward the holistic transformation of our city. FOR MORE>>

Mission statement

To organize the Christian community to collaborate for the common good, and to create spaces to extend the radical hospitality of Christ.

“This man – Jesus - welcomes sinners and eats with them”.  Luke 15.2 

“We ought to show hospitality to people so that we may work together for the truth”.  3 John 1.8

Belief Statement

The Apostles Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Values We Believe

• Collaboration over cooperation – Galatians 3.26-28
• Equity: all voices valued – Galatians 3.26-28
• Humility:  that rejects self promotion – Philippians 2
• Unity: that is witnessed – Philippians 2.1-4, John 17.23

• Relationship: friendship and partnership over organization – 1 Corinthians 13
• Inclusivity: that is intentional – 1 Corinthians 12

Staff Team

Karen Reed
Executive Director

Bob Kraemer
Director of Operations

Peter Biggs – seconded from Christian Info Society
Director of Networking

Grayson Bain – seconded PT
Director of Impact Groups

Ken Anderson – seconded from BGA
Evangelism Coordinator

Katie Cave
Executive Administrator

Gwen McVicker – seconded PT
Linwood House Ministries

Rachael Morris
Operations Manager

Board of Directors

Paolo Aquilini
Managing Partner, Aquilini Investment Group

Alan Au
City Coordinator, Vancouver Focus

Leonard Buhler
President, Power to Change Canada

Tom Cooper, Chair
President, City In Focus

Mike Davies
Base Director, Youth With A Mission of BC

Barbara Dowding
Vice Chancellor, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver

Laura Edwards
Director of Development, York House School

Rita Fung
President, Shekinah Investments Inc.

Andy Harrington 
Executive Director, Greater Vancouver Youth for Christ / Youth Unlimited

Lawrence Ho
Chinese-Canadian Lawyer & Philanthropic Counsel to families & corporations

Darian Kovacs
Founder & Director, CanadaFire

Kathy Kreiner-Phillips
Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist
Mentor, Youth For Christ of BC, Sports Psychology Consultant

Wayne Nygren
Retired in 2006 as President and CEO of Credit Union Central of BC

Jonathan Raymond
President, Trinity Western University

Flyn Ritchie
President, Christian Info Society

Al Skidmore
Co-Executive Chairman & CEO, TCG International Inc.

Major Dirk vanDuinen
Divisional Secretary for Program, The Salvation Army
British Columbia Divisional Headquarters

David Wells
General Superintendent Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Chair, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Kristi Wells
President, Collaborative Strategies Inc,
Member of Whistler Municipal Council (1993- 2005)
Member, Olympic Bid Committee

Karen Reed
Executive Director, Ex Officio Board Member

Board of Reference

Business, Political & Community Leaders

David Bentall
President, Next Step Advisors

A. Maria Chung
Site Medical Director, UBCH & Medical Manager, Subacute Medicine, VGH

Bob Gaglardi
CEO, Northland Properties

Bruce Ledingham
Partner, Ledingham McAllister

Peter Legge
President and CEO, Canada Wide Magazines

Benjamin Li
President, Lico Realty Ltd.

Victor Ling
VP of Discovery, BC Cancer & Assistant Dean, Cancer Research, UBC

Patrick Lo
President, Canaan Shipping

John Mackay
President, Strand Capital Corporation

The Honourable Yonah Martin
Senator

Angus Reid
President, Angus Reid Consultants

Tom Skidmore
Chairman, President & CEO, Glentel Inc.

Wes Wong
President, Genesis Construction 

Carson Wu
Chartered Accountant       

Church, Ministry & Organization Leaders

Jeremy Bell
Executive Minister, Baptist Union of Western Canada

Dwayne Buhler
Director, Missions Fest Vancouver

Kevin Cavanaugh
Pastor, Cedar Grove Baptist Church

David Hearn
Superintendent, Christian Missionary Alliance Canadian Pacific District

Edwin Kong
Executive Director, Chinese Christian Mission of Canada

David Koop
Pastor, Coastal Church

Terry LeBlanc
Director, My People International & Chair, North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies

Bill Mollard
President, Union Gospel Mission

Joycelin Ng
Director, BC Student Forum

Geri Rodman
President, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship Canada

Cam Roxburgh
Pastor, Southside Community Church

Michael Miller
Archbishop, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver

Richard Pye
Chairman, Finance Committee, Canadian Bible Society

Ken Shigematsu
Senior Pastor, Tenth Avenue Alliance Church

David Short
Rector, St. John's Shaughnessy Church

Susan Van Duinen
Major, Divl Commander British Columbia Division, The Salvation Army

Shaila Visser
Director, Alpha in the Workplace International

Steve Wile
Deputy Executive Director, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada

Rod Wilson
President, Regent College