Three Pillars. One Purpose.
Our efforts are built around a single idea: when young people have access to the right support, they can do extraordinary things. Strong families and thriving youth don't happen without work. They're built through connection, opportunity, and a community who show up to help. The Francesco Aquilini Legacy Initiative invests in the programs, partnerships, and pathways that make that possible. Here's how we make that happen.
The Francesco Aquilini Youth Mentorship Network
The problem: Many B.C. youth, especially those facing systemic barriers, lack access to the role models and guidance they need to succeed. Without mentors, too many young people disengage from school and miss the networks that open doors.
Our approach: We invest in and connect a network of after-school and youth leadership programs across British Columbia. Through the Francesco Aquilini Youth Mentorship Network, young people can access vetted organizations offering mentorship, skill-building workshops, employment pathways, and access to leaders within Francesco's business network.
Partnerships are tailored to each organization's needs. Contributions range from financial support to paid internships and direct mentorship access.
Year One Targets:
- 1,000+ youth engaged
- 6 pillar mentor partnerships established
- 50–60% of participants from underserved communities
Signature Program: Champions of Change Dinner
An annual mentor recognition dinner hosted by the Francesco Aquilini Legacy Initiative. This evening brings together mentors, mentees, youth organizations, and leaders in an experience that goes beyond the traditional event format.
Attendees connect directly with Francesco Aquilini and others who've built something meaningful. The dinner — hosted at a Top Table restaurant — shines a light on the organizations and individuals doing the quiet, essential work of guiding young people forward.
More than a celebration. A moment of recognition for the people who show up.
→ Express interest in attending
Scholarships and Opportunity
The problem: In B.C., 35% of students aged 18–24 don't pursue higher education because of financial barriers. Many more lack the peer support, mentorship, and practical opportunities they need to succeed once they're there.
Our approach: We provide up to $20,000 per student for a four-year degree, or $10,000 for a two-year college or technical diploma. Funding comes with wraparound support — peer groups, mentorship connections, and paid internship opportunities through our partner network.
Six scholarships per year are allocated to Indigenous youth through the Chief Ernie Campbell Memorial Fund.
Year One targets:
- 20 scholarships awarded
- 6 scholarships dedicated to Indigenous youth
- Partner institutions: SFU, UBC, BCIT, KPU
Signature Program: The Future Forward Challenge
A prize competition that rewards post-secondary students who think differently about the world's most pressing problems.
Open to students across SFU, UBC, BCIT, and KPU, the challenge invites individual applicants or teams to propose innovative, practical solutions in one of three categories:
Agriculture and Climate Resilience Sustainable farming, water management, food security, and climate adaptation.
Sustainability in Development Green infrastructure, circular economy models, and sustainable urban planning.
Community Solutions Tackling social and economic challenges in B.C. communities.
Each category winner receives $10,000. The overall grand prize winner receives $50,000.
The challenge launches in 2026. The prize is awarded in spring 2027.
→ Register your interest · → Read the full challenge brief
Removing the Barriers to Play
The problem: An estimated 29% of children in B.C. face significant barriers to participating in sport — whether financial, physical, or cultural. These aren't just missed games. They're missed opportunities for confidence, belonging, and community.
Our approach: The Francesco Aquilini Legacy Initiative uses hockey, sport, and play as gateways to inclusion. We cover program fees, equipment, ice time, and travel costs. We partner with grassroots programs to expand what they can offer. And through our Play It Forward initiative, we step in wherever support is most urgently needed.
Year One targets:
- 500+ children supported to participate in sport
- 10 grassroots junior athletics programs funded with equipment and financial support
Signature Program: Play It Forward
Play It Forward is our rapid-response sports fund. When a team faces an unforeseen challenge — equipment lost, travel costs out of reach, a facility suddenly unavailable — we step in.
Recent examples include replacing adaptive equipment for a physically disabled hockey team, funding tournament travel for a rural youth program, and donating gear to ensure an inclusive sports league could continue its season.
With a goal to support 10+ teams or individuals every year, Play It Forward turns unexpected setbacks into stories of resilience.
→ Submit a Play It Forward request