Member Success Story: Driving Impact Beyond Business – Don Anderson’s Mission to Advance Parkinson’s Research Through Leadership and Community

The German Canadian Business Association (GCBA) proudly highlights the remarkable work of one of our distinguished members, Don Anderson, P.Eng., CLU® – President & Estate Tax Advisor at Legato Wealth, serial entrepreneur, and dedicated community volunteer. Beyond his professional success, Don serves as Chair of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI), leading innovative efforts to advance parkinson research and improve lives for those affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Inspiring World-Leading Research into Parkinson’s Disease

For Don, this is more than a leadership role – it is a deeply personal mission. His mother, Doreen, lived with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) for eight years before passing in 2013. Almost everyone connected to PPRI has been touched by Parkinson’s Disease in some way, whether through a loved one or personal experience.

As Don shares:
“Four of our board members have Parkinson’s disease. As we go through the annual meetings and watch their lifes change, we find it very motivating.”

This sense of purpose fuels Don’s determination to bring researchers, donors, and the community together in pursuit of breakthrough solutions to advance Parkinson’s research.

Who is Don Anderson?

At Legato Wealth, Don brings over 30 years of professional and business experience, guiding successful families – especially business owners and incorporated professionals – on estate tax strategies and insurance planning.

Known for his approachable, down-to-earth manner, Don focuses on helping families protect a lifetime of hard work and ensure a smooth transfer of their legacy to future generations.

As a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), he works closely with estate tax accountants and financial advisors across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.

Outside the office, Don volunteers extensively with PPRI, contributes to community sports programs, and enjoys travelling with his active family of four.

Driving Innovation in Advanced Parkinson’s Research

Under Don’s leadership, PPRI has become a driving force in advancing research at the University of British Columbia’s Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre (PPRC).

Over the past year, PPRI has:

  • Raised nearly $1 million in donations to support groundbreaking projects.

  • Pledged $5 million over the next decade toward early detection, prevention, and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.

  • Supported the launch of the Bjorn Moller Research Repository (BMRR) – a vital initiative collecting biological samples and data to accelerate research.

  • Funded a new UBC faculty position focused on neurodegenerative disease prevention and early detection.

Largely due to the innovative support of PPRI and its community, UBC’s PD research centre, PPRC, has received the prestigious designation of Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence from the Parkinson’s Foundation once again this year.

Community, Collaboration & GCBA Connection

Don’s commitment to advancing health research reflects GCBA’s broader values – fostering leadership, innovation, and community engagement. As a long-standing GCBA member, Don exemplifies how our network extends far beyond business, making a positive impact on society.

Everyone is Welcome to Participate – Join the BMRR

The Bjorn Moller Research Repository (BMRR) is a groundbreaking initiative for storing biological samples, clinical data, and demographic information from individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease or other movement disorders, as well as those without these conditions to serve as a control group.

Participation is simple and confidential. It involves only two visits to UBC over 18 months, with some samples collected at home and questionnaires completed online.

For more information or to register, contact bjorn.moller.repository@ubc.ca. Your involvement will directly help accelerate critical research and bring us closer to a cure.

Celebrating Leadership

Don Anderson exemplifies how GCBA members create impact beyond business – leading with purpose, compassion, and innovation. We proudly celebrate his contributions and encourage our community to join him in supporting efforts to advance Parkinson’s research and give hope to thousands of families.