The GIVETOLIVE Board is comprised of a variety of past event participants, friends, and founders. The main role of the board, other than its financial and legal responsibilities, is to ensure that each event that is run by GIVETOLIVE helps to accomplish the aims and objectives of GIVETOLIVE community. A board member sits on each of the event committees and as well as providing continuity across the events they are also on hand to answers any questions the committees have and act as a resource.
Board of Directors
Todd McDonald
Todd is the co-founder of GIVETOLIVE and was board chair in the early years of the organization. He has completed numerous GIVETOLIVE events including cycling to Texas three times, swimming from New Brunswick to PEI three times (no shark sightings yet) and finishing two Ironman triathlons. He lives life to the fullest with his wife and GIVETOLIVE co-founder, Ashley and is often seen at the office with his Goldendoodle, Pickles. Todd’s business background and leadership skills have taken GIVETOLIVE through 10 very successful years and his commitment to the mission and vision of the organization has provided many growth opportunities. Not afraid to take risks, many of the events have started with an idea of Todd’s. His belief in the ability of others and unwillingness to let obstacles get in the way has allowed GIVETOLIVE to execute its epic events.
Ashley Ward
As co-founder of GIVETOLIVE, Ashley is continually humbled by all the amazing individuals who contribute to the growth of the organization. Over the years she has been a part of most of the committees, lead organizer for the first five Big Rides, and for several of the early years she worked full time on GIVETOLIVE in the role of Executive Director. Her institutional knowledge, background in event management, and commitment to the mission of GIVETOLIVE helps determine the strategic direction of the organization. Currently, Ashley is co-chair of the Big Welcome, which involves sponsoring and supporting a Syrian newcomer family who arrived in Halifax in November 2016. She has participated in most of the cycling events, only missing 3 over the years. Ashley’s broad experience with the events has helped to steer GTL through 10 years and fundraise over 2.5 million dollars.
Paul MacQueen
Paul has been involved with GIVETOLIVE since the beginning. He has participated in every BIG RIDE, but has yet to do the BIG SWIM! His wife Ally, participated in the BIG SWIM in 2015 and Paul is the proud father of two children, Vedder and Parker. He was the Board Chair from 2015-2016, during which GIVETOLIVE added a new event, The Big Chill, sponsored a Syrian family via the Big Welcome initiative, and experienced continued growth of The Big Swim. Paul brings a business background, institutional knowledge of GIVETOLIVE, and strong relationships with many key GIVETOLIVE stakeholders to the Board of Directors.
Jonathan Schrader
Jonathan joined up with GTL in March of 2010 as a volunteer for the BIG RIDE from Vancouver to Austin. Following his initial experience with the BIG RIDE, he participated in several more as a cyclist and more recently participated in the BIG SWIM. He has been a board member since 2011 and is a former chair. Jonathan lives in Halifax with his wife Moira and three children Isobel, Boyd, and Ben. His spirit and business acumen resonate around the Board table and he has been highly involved in recent board restructuring and developing the strategic direction of the organization.
Meg MacDougall
Meg has been involved with GTL since 2011 and has been on the Board since 2013. She has participated in five BIG RIDEs and one BIG SWIM and was also the co-chair of BIG RIDE 2014, which travelled from Ottawa to Halifax. Meg brings her solicitor skills to the table and her perspective from all events and the physical, mental and emotional challenges they offer. Currently in the role of Vice-Chair, Meg’s organizational skills and legal background continue to strengthen the impact of GIVETOLIVE’s mission.
Nicole Langille
Since 2015 Nicole has been acting as GIVETOLIVE’s Operations Director. She provides support to all GTL’s projects and events, manages teams of volunteers, and ensures brand consistency and awareness. Over the years Nicole has worked with several non-profit organizations including Children’s Wish Foundation and UNICEF. Nicole’s background in Event Management, non-profit fundraising and marketing ensure safe and well run events. Her attention to detail and organizational skills ensure that the operations of GIVETOLIVE directly relate to the mission and vision of the organization.
Heather McGrath
Heather has been involved with the BIG SWIM as the Event Director since2012. In 2014, she completed the SWIM herself as her family welcomed her to the PEI shores. Her husband, Khristian has participated in the event as well. Heather has volunteered on countless committees and events in support of Brigadoon Village, Ovarian Cancer Canada, Canadian Breast Cancer and as well an active role in her daughter’s school PTA.
In 2016, only weeks after having their 3rd daughter, Heather and Edie (9 weeks old at the time) completed the BIG CHILL in its first year. Heather and Khristian and their 3 girls Charlie, Molly & Edie live in Halifax and love to stay active and strive to show their girls the benefits of giving back to their community.
Andrew Inch
Andrew first became involved with GTL in 2014, joining on the BIG RIDE from Ottawa to Halifax to raise money for cancer research. That experience, including the wonderful people and got to know more about the good things GTL was up to brought him back for another round of riding and fundraising, this time biking around Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s 300km Cabot Trail in a single day. Andrew has been involved with the BIG WELCOME committee since 2015, assisting a family of Syrian refugees to Halifax. Andrew joined the GTL Board in 2017. In his spare time, he likes to ski, sail, play guitar, and spend time with friends and his young family.
Yazeed Sobaih
Yazeed’s experience with GIVETOLIVE began as the first GTL co- op student during his time at Dalhousie University. He helped Ashley, Todd and Paul with marketing and logistics of the Vancouver to Austin, Texas BIG RIDE in 2009. He was not into biking and didn’t even own a bike, but was somehow convinced into joining The BIG RIDE after absorbing the energy of the team and participants. Before meeting GIVETOLIVE, he was previously involved with an independent fundraiser he founded called Frag For Cancer, a video gaming tournament to support the Canadian Cancer Society. Yaz’s marketing and social media experience have allowed GIVETOLIVE to reach more people. His fundraising and sponsorship background continue to help GIVETOLIVE achieve its important goals related to fundraising and expense ratios.
Laura Lundquist
Laura first heard about GTL in 2009 and signed up to do the ride in 2010. Unfortunately, her body had other plans and she wasn’t able to do the ride; instead, she ended up helping with some of the planning for the 2010 BIG RIDE and has continued to be involved with The BIG RIDE team every year since then. Laura joined the GTL Board in 2012 and brings her background in physiotherapy as well as her operational logic to the Board. Her attention to safety, experience with sports events and volunteer management make her a valued member of the GIVETOLIVE Board of Directors. Laura is currently co-chair of the Big Welcome, which involves sponsoring and supporting a Syrian newcomer family who arrived in Halifax in November 2016.
Christopher Kidd
In the midst of a mid-life crisis and unable to afford a sports car Chris decided to swim the Northumberland strait. He swam in The Big Swim in 2014, biked in The Big Ride in 2015 and snowshoed The Big Chill in 2016. Chris joined the board in 2015 and continues to kayak for swimmers each year. When not part of GIVETOLIVE events he is a human rights worker and very proud father. His background with non-profit organizations and extensive board experience continues to add value as GIVETOLIVE grows. GIVETOLIVE draws upon his calm manner and humanitarian touch. After serving as Vice-Chair for one year in 2016, Chris is now the Chair of the GIVETOLIVE Board of Directors.