2023 ALS Society of BC Leader of Tomorrow Award

Young Investors Make a Difference: UBC Club Wins Award for ALS Research

Recipient of the 2023 ALS Society of BC Leader of Tomorrow Award
– Jordan Black on behalf of CFAC Portfolio Management – UBC, Vancouver.

RICHMOND, British Columbia – The Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes youth and young adults under the age of 25 who individually or as part of a group is making a difference in the lives of those living with ALS through their volunteer efforts. This award recognizes initiatives or efforts undertaken in the previous calendar year in support of ALS including fundraising, advocacy, public awareness, or going above and beyond to care for an individual living with ALS by providing assistance, companionship, and support.

CFAC means “Compounding For A Cure.” CFAC Portfolio Management is a UBC student-run investment fund which started its endowment with generous support from UBC’s 15th President, Santa Ono.

CFAC was founded in 2016 with a philanthropic purpose of raising awareness and money for ALS research. Being a UBC club, PROJECT HOPE is near to their hearts and has proved an inspiring catalyst for their members’ support of the fund’s philanthropic efforts. CFAC has set a goal to raise $10,000 for PROJECT HOPE IN 2023 through its various events, competitions, and donations. Beyond the fundraising, the club also promotes awareness about the fight against ALS by sharing information in the UBC community at their events and across their social media platforms.

CFAC educates members on the fundamentals of Capital Markets while providing first-hand experience in managing a fund. The club holds an active portfolio consisting of various equities. The investment team undergoes an extensive training program where they learn the fundamental skills of pitching a company through equity research, valuation, and financial modelling.

Throughout the year, members pitch both stock initiations and holdings reviews to the investment committee. Members gain invaluable experience and mentorship from upper-year students and industry professionals that provide them with the essential skills, network, and preparation to break into the world of finance. To date $3,563.00 has been raised.

“On behalf of CFAC Portfolio Management, we are deeply honored to accept the Leaders of Tomorrow Award from the ALS Society of BC. 

We are a student-run investment fund out of the UBC Sauder School of Business that pursues a dual mission of raising funds and awareness for ALS Research, while fostering capital market education and mentorship for UBC students. ALS is a vicious disease that has impacted numerous students in our founding and current team. It is our greatest honour to support the battle against this disease here at UBC, through supporting the incredible work done by Dr. Pioro, and the rest of the team at PROJECT HOPE. CFAC is committed to continue both the fight against ALS and its support for PROJECT HOPE in the years to come. Beyond raising awareness through our events, our fundraising efforts were the epitome of a group effort and we could not be more proud – 37 students on our team personally donated to support PROJECT HOPE.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ALS Society of BC, specifically to Wendy Toyer, for her incredible leadership, mentorship and support. This award inspires us to continue our mission with even greater determination, knowing that our collective action can make a difference.” said Jordan Black, CFAC Portfolio Management.

“We are grateful for this innovative event that raises funds for ALS research at UBC through PROJECT HOPE, increases awareness about ALS, and provides an educational opportunity for students.  Congratulations to Jordan and his fellow students on receiving this well-deserved award.” said Wendy Toyer, Executive Director ALS Society of BC. 

Jordan Black’s award was presented at a “Celebration of Volunteerism and Service” ceremony hosted by the ALS Society of BC on Tuesday, April 9^th, 2024, in Richmond, BC.

Download logos and a high-resolution photo of the award recipient here.

About ALS BC: The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of British Columbia (ALS BC) was founded in 1981 by Dr. Andrew Eisen, ALS patients and family members to meet the physical and emotional needs of people living with ALS and their caregivers. Our mission is to cure ALS through funding research, while advocating for and supporting people living with ALS. 

About ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the person’s motor neurons that carry messages to the muscles resulting in weakness and wasting in arms, legs, mouth, throat and elsewhere. Typically, the person is immobilized within two to five years of the initial diagnosis. There is no known cause or cure yet, but there is hope through the ALS Society of BC.

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