Help Kids Go Fish BC! Donor Profile: Ralph Shaw

FFSBC President Don Peterson (left) accepts $1000 from Ralph Shaw and his wife Elenor.

Avid fly fisherman and all around outdoorsman Ralph Shaw has tirelessly promoted environmental awareness throughout his life – in 1984 he received the Order of Canada for his work setting up Kamloops’ McQueen Lake Environmental Centre an outdoor school where youth can learn about the natural environment. These days, he’s lending a hand to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s Learn To Fish Program through the sales of his recent biography of fly fishing legend Jack Shaw.

Writing “The Pleasure of His Company: The Fishing Diaries of Jack Shaw,” was a labour of love for Ralph. The self-published tome, features Jack Shaw’s personal diaries, and 130 photographs of flies, fishermen and scenery, most of which were taken by Jack Shaw along with 70 watercolour paintings of flies by artist Larry Stefanyk. Jack Shaw was not related to Ralph by blood, they were connected through fishing and a 30-year friendship.

In honour of his friend, Ralph is giving away 100 per cent of the book’s profits of the book’s sales – 75 per cent of the book sale profits go to the McQueen Lake Environmental Centre in Kamloops, and the other 25 per cent benefit Learn To Fish. This spring, Ralph presented cheques of $1000 and $250 to the FFSBC towards the Learn to Fish program. He also donated $500 last August, and has provided cases of books for giveaways at events to garner support for the FFSBC’s new Fishing Buddies program. 

Ralph’s dedicated efforts make him a true fishing buddy. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is truly grateful for his energy and support.

By giving to the FFSBC's Help Kids Go Fish BC campaign, you too can enrich the lives of others with the gift of fishing.  Your tax deductible donation will support programs that provide first fishing experiences and greater access to fishing throughout the province, including the FFSBC's Learn the Fish program, enhanced family fisheries and angler access initiatives.  Click here to learn more