# Yuri Leith Fulmer

Yuri Leith Fulmer, OBC (born May 5, 1974) is an Australian-born Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the Chair of Fulmer & Company and the Fulmer Foundation, Global Chair of United Way Worldwide and Chancellor of Capilano University. He is a member of the Order of British Columbia (2011), and was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), and was named one of Business In Vancouver's Living Legends in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

## Early life

Fulmer was born in Perth, Western Australia to a Canadian father and an Australian mother; as a result, he holds dual citizenship. He came to Vancouver in 1992.

## Career

Fulmer is a major figure in the food and hospitality industry of Western Canada. His career began in 1997, when he acquired his first A&W (Canada) restaurant. Since then he has built a stable of 35 A & W outlets in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan in founding and chairing Western Restaurants Franchises Inc. (WRFI)
In 2005, he turned towards revitalizing Mr. Mikes Steakhouse and Bar, a chain founded in1960 that had been reduced to just four locations. Mr. Mikes was rebranded and expanded to 21 locations, generating over $60 million in annual sales. This turnaround culminated in its sale to Yellow Point Equity Partners in two transactions between 2009 and 2010.
In 2010, he founded Fulmer & Company, shifting his focus toward investing in various businesses across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods. Since its inception, the company has made investments in over 30 businesses, including the acquisition of what would become BBSPro Services Inc., a Western Canadian company that provides draft systems, biodegradable cleaning chemicals, sanitation services, and dish and glass machines.

## Philanthropy

Fulmer is recognized for his dedication to philanthropy, marked by significant leadership roles and substantial contributions to various organizations.
In 2019, he established the Fulmer Foundation, which became a focal point for his philanthropic efforts. The foundation actively supports projects that foster community engagement and development. One of the foundation's major initiatives is Goodly Foods™, a social enterprise co-founded by Fulmer & Company in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Launched in March 2019, Goodly Foods aims to convert surplus produce into nutritious food products and provide employment opportunities to individuals facing significant employment barriers.
He currently serves as the Global Chairman of United Way Worldwide, a position he assumed in 2024. In this role, he has led global philanthropic initiatives to enhance the organization’s worldwide impact. He had a long history working within United Way of Canada began with the United Way of the Lower Mainland, where he helped raise $30 million.
On June 18, 2020, Fulmer was installed as the fourth Chancellor of Capilano University. He was renewed for a second term in 2023.
In 2019, Yuri established the Fulmer Foundation, which became a focal point for his philanthropic efforts. The foundation actively supports projects that foster community engagement and development. One of the foundation's major initiatives is Goodly Foods™, a social enterprise co-founded by Fulmer & Company in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Launched in March 2019, Goodly Foods aims to convert surplus produce into nutritious food products and provide employment opportunities to individuals facing significant employment barriers.
In dedication to Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation, he has been the title sponsor of the largest dedicated art prize in Canada for First Nations through the BC Achievement Foundation. He has plans to expand this prize nationally.
He is the volunteer Co-Chair of the annual Honda Celebration of Light, a fireworks display by three countries on English Bay, the largest gathering each year in Vancouver.

## Politics

On July 22, 2024, Fulmer was announced as the Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the 2024 British Columbia general election. Fulmer was defeated by Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote.
vte2024 British Columbia general election: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky :
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures |
| | Green | Jeremy Valeriote | 10,438 | 38.08 | +0.78 | $209,825 |
| | Conservative | Yuri Fulmer | 9,762 | 35.61 | New | $86,706 |
| | New Democratic | Jen Ford | 7,212 | 26.31 | +1.15 | $31,452 |
| Total valid votes | Total valid votes | Total valid votes | 27,412 | – |
| Total rejected ballots | Total rejected ballots | Total rejected ballots | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | |
| Registered voters | Registered voters | Registered voters | |
| | Green notional hold | Green notional hold | Swing | Swing | +0.4 |
| Source: Elections BC |||||||

## Awards and honours

* Canada's Top Forty Under 40, 2008
* British Columbia Community Achievement Award, 2010
* Order of British Columbia
* Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012 for his contribution to Canadian communities
* The Joseph and Rosalie Community Vision Award, 2014
* Business in Vancouver Living Legends, 2021
* 2011 Recipient: Yuri Fulmer – North Vancouver: Order of BC
* Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist, 2010 - Ernst & Young
* Chancellor of Capilano University
* BC500 The Most Influential Business Leaders, Business in Vancouver, 2023