As B.C. philanthropist Mel Zajac turns 95, he explains it’s all about helping kids

Mel Zajac is the most energetic 95-year-old this side of his friend Jimmy Pattison.

He walks at a brisk clip, does pushups every other day, and works out with a personal trainer.

His personal drive helped him rise from a poor kid in Winnipeg to a successful highrise builder in Vancouver.

But his real contribution to society has been his philanthropy. Raised during the Great Depression, he’s always had an empathy for children, and has worked tirelessly for them.

“When I make money, I want to help young kids,” said Zajac, who will turn 95 on May 15.