PPRI Announces the Launch of the Dale Parker Fund for Excellence in Parkinson's Disease Research

Dale Parker, Former PPRI Chair and Board Member

Parkinson’s disease affects more than 17,500 British Columbians, with thousands more family members and caregivers impacted daily by the challenges of the progressive neurological disorder. The Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI), a Vancouver-based charitable organization, has for over 30 years been at the forefront of supporting groundbreaking research into Parkinson’s disease. PPRI has enabled pioneering Parkinson’s studies in genetics, imaging, and new therapies that are having a global impact.

New Research Fund Honours Former PPRI Chair Dale Parker

The newly-established Dale Parker Fund for Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research honours the remarkable legacy of Dale Parker, a former PPRI Chair and board member and visionary leader, philanthropist, and advocate for health research in British Columbia. Parker is widely respected for his commitment to community service, his leadership in business and public life, and his dedication to causes that improved the wellbeing of others. Among many distinguished roles, Dale has been the Chair of Board of TransLink, the President and CEO of the Worker’s Compensation Board of B.C., and the Chairman and CEO of the B.C. Financial Institutions Commission.

The Dale Parker Fund for Excellence in Parkinson’s Disease Research has been established within PPRI and will begin by supporting three groundbreaking PPRC projects at UBC:

  • A Phase 2 Feasibility Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Multi-Strain Probiotic in the Treatment of Early Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease – Budget $509,014

  • A Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Group-Based Lifestyle Intervention Program to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Health Care Costs in Parkinson’s Disease - Budget $549,102

  • Acting on Your Dreams: Building the Vancouver REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder Cohort – Budget $921,928

This fund celebrates Dale’s enduring belief in the power of research and innovation to transform lives, ensuring that his contributions to the community will continue to inspire and create meaningful change for generations to come.

PPRI