“Where the puck is going”—Why Lily and Laurie Wallace Give to Science World 

Our Why We Give series spotlights the people who support our non-profit organization. 

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Lily Wallace might be one of the only members of Science World’s Atomic Circle to have helped design and build an exhibit for our science centre.

“I even helped install it!” Lily recalls. “It was very fun.”

In 1989, Lily worked at MacDonald Dettwiler (now MDA)—Canada's largest space technology company and manufacturer of the Canadarm.

As a software engineer, Lily helped in the development of early GPS systems, having become fascinated with creating maps from satellite images during her computer science degree at UBC.

With the support of MDA and Science World, Lily created a hands-on exhibit that allowed Science World visitors to explore high-resolution satellite images of False Creek.  

"It was important to me that kids understood the potential of this technology to transform their daily lives,” Lily says.

Her husband Laurie adds, “When it comes to opportunity, we tend to follow the Wayne Gretzky adage, ‘Skate to where the puck is going, not to where it’s been.’”

This adage also illustrates why the couple gave a major gift to Science World in 2022.

“Science World is about the future,” Laurie says. “Since 1989, it’s shown kids, ‘Hey, this is where the puck is going.’”  

Technically Speaking

“You know the phrase, ‘Those who can, do’?” asks Laurie, gesturing to Lily. “Well, I was a failed computer programmer, so I got into running companies.”

His first, Datum Telegraphic, a company Laurie co-founded with Andy Wright, a Patron of Science World and fellow Atomic Circle member, generated one of the highest returns in BC for an angel-backed business when it was acquired by PMC-Sierra in 2000.

Two of Laurie’s mentors, Haig Farris and the late Ken Spencer—who’d also sat on Laurie’s board and are Friends of Science World—encouraged him to get involved in a philanthropic manner.

Science World had just launched Super Science Club, a fun after-school science program attended by hundreds of students Grades K – 7 in Vancouver’s under-resourced schools.

“That kind of touched our hearts,” says Laurie. “We wanted to support children in learning and exploring. It didn't matter whether it was science or the arts or humanities. To me, it's just important to have a curious mind.”

Roots of Wonder

Growing up on a farm, Laurie had regular opportunities for curiosity.

“Nature and the cycle of life have always interested me,” he says. He recalls witnessing the growth processes of crops and animals with wonder every day.

As farmers, his parents encouraged him to nurture this curiosity.

“They didn't graduate high school,” Laurie says, “and they knew that education was the most important investment one could make.”

Science World is a part of that investment.

“Science World ignites curiosity, which is the best skill anyone can have, because it drives innovation. Only innovation will solve the problems that we face.”

Laurie says that when he and Lily decide where to invest their time and money, they consider Maslow's hierarchy of needs, from physiological to self-actualization.

As investors in CityReach Care Society, every week, Laurie and Lily help feed 1,000 families—about 4,000 people—in BC.

“That number could easily be 20,000,” Laurie says. “The need is insatiable.”’

CityReach Care Society rescues and delivers thousands of pounds of produce, milk products and protein every week, as well as serving a weekly hot meal at their warehouse in East Vancouver to their community to eat together.

“The program grew a lot during the pandemic,” says Lily, “and provided a community. But there’s still so much need. And the costs to run the program are enormous. As is the price of food.”

Providing nutritious food helps fulfil physiological needs, while Science World, the Wallaces say, helps people achieve self-actualization.

Lily recalls an eight-year period in her career when she volunteered as a math tutor in inner-city schools. "I had students who’d sit down and announce, ‘I’m not good at math,’ before we even began the lesson.”

With classes of 30 students at all different levels, the teachers had challenges addressing everyone’s individual needs. Lily says, “Facilitating aha moments for those students was so satisfying. They just needed the chance to know they could do it.”

Laurie adds, “Many people in our community might feel that, due to the cost and other barriers, education isn’t an opportunity for them. Science World removes those barriers and shows you that it is.”

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Help us build pathways to science for all.

Join Lily and Laurie and our growing community of donors and give today.