One of British Columbia's leading professionals in real estate development is taking big steps to create incredible opportunities for UBC's student athletes. As President of the Pooni Group, Gary Pooni knows what it takes to rise to the top of his field and he notes the important role philanthropy has played in helping him achieve his goals. Today, the New Westminster native is paying it forward by giving back to his community and finding ways to help young people get a head start in their education and careers. 
 
"My parents were huge supporters of post-secondary education," says Gary. "They came here from India to start a new life and they instilled in us that post-secondary education would be the way to get ahead, and that school should come before anything else."
 
Born to immigrant parents, Gary grew up on a small piece of farmland in the Queensborough area. His father drove a dump truck, and his mother managed the home, and from early on, Gary learned the value of hard work and education. But when he wasn't studying, Gary could be found out on the field, playing his favourite sport – soccer. 
 
"I come from a humble background," explains Gary. "Life seemed difficult back then but I had a few things that were my escape, and one of those things was sports, especially soccer. Sports provided me an outlet for nervous energy and it was also something that united our friends, and my brother and me."
 
Gary's undeniable love of soccer, combined with his hard work at school, led to a formative moment in his life just as high school graduation loomed. Gary had been accepted into Simon Fraser University; however, he was very aware of the incredible financial strain his parents were already under as they were already helping his older sister pay for university. That's when philanthropy, and the help of Vancouver's professional soccer club, stepped in to make a difference. 
 
"I received a few bursaries and scholarships when I graduated high school, but the most humbling scholarship I received was from Vancouver 86ers, which paid for one year of tuition at university. I went to a game and was awarded the scholarship down on the field at halftime when Bob Lenarduzzi put a cheque in my hand. That proved to be a pivotal moment for me."
 
Through those scholarships and by working in a video store throughout the summer, Gary was able to put himself through university without the help of his parents. 
 
"Removing that financial pressure from my parents was so huge for our family, it really made a world of difference. When the financial pressure is off you can focus on your education, which is the most critical thing."
 
Gary says he has benefited from receiving a few "second chances" in his life, and he credits the scholarship he received from the Vancouver 86ers as one of those opportunities. It wouldn't be the only "second chance" Gary would receive in his lifetime.
 
In 2019, at just 48 years old, Gary nearly lost his life when he suffered a massive heart attack. After spending two days in a coma, he woke up, with a renewed sense of clarity.
 
"I am just happy I get to wake up every morning. I am happy to be here. There was a 99% chance that I wasn't going to make it, and I did. I am so grateful that I was given a second chance."
 
Since Gary's near-death experience, he has been determined to make the most of his "second chance." He created the Pooni Group Foundation and became more heavily involved in giving back to the community. In 2024, Gary and Mina Pooni, with the Pooni Foundation established the Thunderbird Award for IBPOC Students. With a focus on supporting South Asian athletes, it is the first athletic award of its kind at UBC. 
 
"This is the first award of its kind in Canada – an opportunity to build a lasting legacy here at UBC," says Kavie Toor, Managing Director, UBC Athletics & Recreation. "Gary Pooni is a game-changing individual and we are so thankful to have him in our corner, making an impact and inspiring our Thunderbird community with his vision"
 
Gary reflects back on receiving that scholarship from the Vancouver 86ers, and what that meant for him at the time. He knows the huge impact that philanthropy can make on the life of a busy university student, especially a student-athlete working to balance the demands of their studies and sport.
 
One of the UBC student athletes who has been on the receiving end of Gary's generosity, is star hockey player, and graduating arts student, Chanreet Bassi. Chanreet was one of this year's recipients of the Pooni Foundation's inaugural Thunderbird Award for IBPOC Students.
 
"I feel incredibly fortunate to have Gary support my journey as a Thunderbird," explains Chanreet. "Hockey is an expensive sport which can be a significant barrier for many families, especially within the South Asian community. Receiving financial support at UBC not only allows me to pursue my dreams but helps ease the financial burden on my parents, who have sacrificed so much to support me. I am truly grateful for the support of the Pooni family and the doors it has opened for me."
 
For a keen-eyed business man like Gary, he knows a good investment when he sees it, and he believes in the impact these student athletes will go on to have in their own communities.
 
"These student athletes, like Chanreet, are hard-working and humble. It is so rewarding and fulfilling to get to help them and I am so proud of the things they are going to accomplish. This is a group of people that will change the world." 

To learn more about the Thunderbird Award for IBPOC Students, and the exciting developments with UBC Athletics, check out the latest "Poonicast", where Gary Pooni sits down for an inspiring podcast chat with UBC Athletics' Managing Director, Kavie Toor, and Thunderbird hockey star, Chanreet Bassi.



If you are interested in supporting this initiative, you can make a gift here or contact Harvey Hubball, Associate Director, Development and Alumni Engagement at harvey.hubball@ubc.ca.