Honouring the Legacy of Elmer Helm
Elmer Joseph Helm
January 6, 1926 – June 29, 2026
It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we are honouring the life of the incredible neighbourhood house advocate and champion Elmer Helm. Elmer passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, vision, enthusiasm and mentorship across our neighbourhood houses.
Elmer was ANHBC’s first Executive Director, when the organization was known as the Neighbourhood Services Association of Greater Vancouver, from 1967-1986, a nearly 20-year tenure. Elmer led and transformed ANHBC and neighbourhood houses into the places they are today. His guidance and leadership are felt across our organization.
During his tenure, Elmer started the Alexandra Foundation in 1977. The Foundation supports projects developed by neighbourhood houses, and champions the start-up phase for new neighbourhood houses. In his honour, the Alexandra Foundation developed the Elmer Helm Youth Fund Scholarship. Each year, the fund provides financial assistance to deserving students who wish to pursue or continue post-secondary training. Supporting youth to grow the neighbourhood house movement and build healthy communities.
Elmer was a leader and champion of the relocation and construction of the current day Sasamat Outdoor Centre, in 1987. This project was not an easy one and required great determination and commitment. Because of ANHBC champions like Elmer, Sasamat has grown immensely and become a self-sustaining part of ANHBC, connecting and working with countless families, schools, and children from across the lower mainland and beyond each year. In his honour Helm Hall gathers and feeds 1000s of children and youth each year!
“There is a circle of us who we may call Elmer’s offspring. We were the rugrats who jumped in canoes, pushed the boundaries and learned from the greatness of Elmer Helm.”
– Donna Chang, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House
Elmer was a mentor to countless emerging leaders and young people throughout his life, across the Neighbourhood House Movement. His work and generosity fostered and inspired many of our leaders today, and his legacy is still acknowledged in the work they do at their neighbourhood houses and beyond.
“I have such fond memories of Elmer. [He] left a lasting impression on me and showed a young person that being of service was important, but it was more important to do with a loving, open heart.”
– Devika Ramkhelawan, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House
Elmer’s loving commitment and unwavering leadership in the Neighbourhood House Movement has left an undeniable legacy, and will not be forgotten.
A funeral mass will be held on Sept. 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 2725 Lonsdale Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The Alexandra Foundation.
