What drew you to working at VBIS?

Before VBIS I worked in international conference and association management. Many of my clients worked in Neuroscience and I was fortunate to meet inspiring global researchers who are passionate about how the brain works. When the ED position at VBIS came up I saw an opportunity to have more personal interactions with brain injury survivors, which really appealed to me.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

Of course, the people! From the wonderful clients to the amazing volunteers to the superb team I am so lucky to work with, I love interacting with everyone I meet each day, and each day brings different situations and people that I get to know better.⁠

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

There’s such a stigma around brain injury and brain injury effects so many people in our community, from the survivor themselves to the family members, co-workers, friends, and beyond – it’s a ripple effect. I’d love to see a future where brain injury gets the much needed attention and funding it deserves.⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I am learning to play the harp and I love it because even if you play the wrong notes, it’s virtually impossible to sound bad!⁠

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I’ve always been drawn to meaningful community. Its rare to find these days, and that goes double for those facing the barriers that come with brain injury. To play even a small role in making a space where people can feel seen and thrive is a beautiful thing.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The clients! Everyday I get to meet so many fun, courageous, and amazingly resilient people who’s stories and never cease to inspire and humble me. You folks make my day, everyday.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

It’s cliché but unfortunately true that you never can tell what someone’s going through just by looking at them. So it’s all of our responsibilities to advocate for each other.

What is a fun fact about you?

My favorite food is Crickets. It’s appallingly difficult to find good ones in Canada.

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I began volunteering as a receptionist at VBIS back in 2020. Having a close family member with a brain injury and studying neuroscience, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to get involved with an organization that does work so personally meaningful to me.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The people I’ve met! The wonderful clients, staff, researchers, and volunteers have all made a profound impact on my life. I continued to be inspired by the stories I learn from brain injury survivors every day.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

How unique and diverse brain injury is. From listening to client’s stories, I have gained a deep understanding of the intersecting challenges brain injury survivors face in their lives. Learning this has not only taught me how inspiring and resilient individuals are but has also broadened my own perspectives.

What is a fun fact about you?

In my free time I love to read and be outside!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I was drawn to working with VBIS after growing up with my father who lives with a brain injury and then learning more about what that meant in university. I was also attracted to the values of compassion, accountability, and community, which I found listed on our website.⁠

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

I enjoy meeting people and walking beside them for a bit.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

The most important thing I learned working at VBIS is how to navigate various systems, supports, and services to help people living with brain injury meet their needs. This is something I keep learning about more and more. ⁠

What is a fun fact about you?

I was dragged by a school bus on the first day of grade 1. True story. 

What drew you to working at VBIS?

I came to VBIS in 2008 after just moving from Prince George to Victoria so that I could be closer to my sons.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The clients. Every day is different, even when you have the same clients. It’s never boring and I love watching them blossom.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

Patience. It’s an essential quality for anyone working in this field, though it’s impacted just about every aspect of my life.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love to travel!

What drew you to working at VBIS?

There is multiple aspect of VBIS that captivated my attention. On a daily basis the staff and volunteers at VBIS develop a warm and welcoming environment where people in the community feel safe. This energy spreads into the powerful impact that VBIS makes on survivors, their families, and the community. Everyone here is open, friendly, and fun to talk to. VBIS is the perfect place for me to use my creativity and passion to help others, spread knowledge and increase awareness about acquired brain injuries.

What is the best part of working at VBIS?

The staff, volunteers, and clients here at VBIS. Everyday someone has me smiling and laughing! The people here are always open to questions and helping each other. This kindness and support make for a positive and happy work environment.

What is the most important thing you learned working at VBIS?

I’ve learned personal stories about the stigma that acquired brain injury survivors face. Acquired brain injuries and the symptoms survivors face can be invisible to the naked eye making them harder for people around survivors to accept. This leads to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Hearing about the path to recover from survivors has led to a more personal understand of the effects of acquired brain injuries.

What is a fun fact about you?

I spend a large amount of time outside exploring what nature has to offer!

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Invisible disabilities are highly stigmatized, particularly ones related to brain injury. We are all one unfortunate second away from needing the support VBIS gives, and as such, I am happy to assist in strengthening the organization’s position and resources.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

My teammates are exceptional, the ED is exceptional, and watching the organization blossom is a privilege.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

I learn something new every month at VBIS, but looking back to when I first started, I was surprised at how much non-profit organizations rely on volunteers and was further surprised by the generosity of time and commitment our volunteers display.

What is a fun fact about you?

I failed my driver’s test four times! I’m from England. I blame it on the wrong side of the road thing.

More information coming soon…

Gerald is educated in business administration, with over 25 years as a builder and developer. He is the President and CEO of Hartwig Industries, a boutique real estate development and property investment company that also invests in start-up companies. Gerald balances an active portfolio of commercial properties, quality developments, and several companies with a healthy West Coast Lifestyle of kiteboarding, rock climbing, surfing, sailing, martial arts, cycling, and skiing.

Gerald has endured twelve concussions through adventurous activities. He is passionate about helping the community through his first-hand experience of living through concussions and rehabilitation. An active community supporter, Gerald has volunteered on boards and committees such as SPCA, Oak Bay Sea Rescue, Visions Victoria, Victoria Construction Association, Western Pacific Bank Advisory Board, Victoria Cycling Committee, and many more. Gerald enjoys mentoring, goal setting, and helping others discover a path to a fulfilling life. In his spare time, he continues to live an active lifestyle and is enriched by spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and rescue dog.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

In the course of my work as a physician the impact of brain injuries on individuals, their next of kin and their local community is always clearly apparent to me. Thankfully through personal connection I was able to join the board at VBIS.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

This is an exceptionally competent and very caring group of VBIS staff and volunteer directors who are working diligently and consistently to make other people’s lives better. What could be better than being a part of that? 

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The massive difference that the services and programs offered by VBIS makes to the clients lives.

What is a fun fact about you?

As long as I am on the water I am happy. Frozen (snowboarding), or liquid (skiing and tubing) are equally good.

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

I first got involved with VBIS when playing a hands-on role in the first annual Toss the Boss Event as the liaison with WildPlay. Having the opportunity to be part of such an impactful event – raising funds, meeting community supporters, and most importantly, engaging with so many of VBIS’ clients – inspired me to contribute as a board member.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Seeing on a month-to-month basis the increasing positive difference the society is making on people’s lives and in the community.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS? 

Brain injuries are everywhere and most of us have no clue how to recognize them or provide meaningful support. The impacts on the individuals have far-reaching consequences that we need to start understanding, talking about, showing empathy for, and taking more immediate action to reduce negative outcomes on these people, their relationships, potential homelessness, and other societal challenges.

What is a fun fact about you? 

You know that vacuum-packing product called Foodsaver? I was the reluctant guest of one product infomercial and ended up on North American shopping channels for over a decade. Although it has nothing to do with my business background and accomplishments, it became the thing I was known for. Never again!

What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Through my work as a personal injury lawyer, I often meet people who have suffered a brain injury and learn the various ways an individual’s life, and the lives of their loved ones, are changed after a brain injury. Because of this, I understand the importance of a community of support and acceptance to help these individuals heal and learn new ways of managing their lives.

When the opportunity to become involved with VBIS presented itself I was so excited and could not pass up the chance to be part of an organization that fulfills such an important service for members of our community who have suffered a brain injury.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Seeing the community of acceptance and support that VBIS continues to foster and grow, and learning about the various services that VBIS continues to develop to better assist those in the community who are navigating through life with a brain injury.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

Brain injuries are so diverse and affect people in such different ways.

What is a fun fact about you?

My favourite thing to do with my spare time is to go for a run!

Adam came to VBIS in 2019, bringing with him expertise developed during a long career in the tech industry. Getting his start in gaming, Adam worked his way up from soldering circuit boards back in 1998 to becoming the youngest assistant producer in the industry just three years later. In 2006 he founded his own company, The Adam James Group, a digital marketing consultancy specializing in bespoke marketing solutions for locally run businesses.

As a brain aneurysm survivor himself, Adam is honored for the opportunity to contribute to VBIS; he is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of other people working through the complexities of brain injury. Adam lives in Victoria, where he splits his time between business ownership, philanthropic work, and raising his young daughter.

​What drew you to being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

I have a 17yr old son who recently had two concussions last year from mountain bike competitions. My concern led me to want to understand more and how I can help. I did not know the purpose and resources VBIS offers until speaking with Gerald Hartwig, the President.

What is your favourite part of being on the Board of Directors at VBIS?

Working with an energetic and motivated Board that is focused on making a difference.

What is the most important thing you learned volunteering at VBIS?

The tools available at VBIS for concussion patients that will help them with their recovery. Very few people know about this.

What is a fun fact about you?

Well, since it is no surprise since our last Board meeting, I buggy jumped nude (ok, back in 2000) as a bet to encourage a friend stop smoking. She stopped and I lost😊.