Hopes Rise was founded by Silvia Ruegger, Canadian Marathon Olympian who passed away August 2019 before her dream of Hopes Rise was launched. Silvia's childhood hope of becoming an Olympian was realized in 1984 when she represented Canada in the first-ever Women’s Marathon at the Olympic Games. Her time of 2:28:36 stood as the Canadian record for over 28 years.

After retirement in 1996, she saw too many children living in poverty for whom hopelessness was reality. The sight compelled her to make a difference in their lives.

Silvia's vision for seeing transformational change has since led to the launch of Hopes Rise. Audacious hope, which fueled Silvia’s Olympic dream, resulted in the birth of the Champions Club focusing on physical fitness, literacy and leadership skills. This fulfills the dream to see all children in Canada hopeful about their future and equipped with the skills and qualities they need to flourish and be leaders in their community and nation.