Pearson was born in
Calgary,
Alberta. He is a professional
firefighter in
London, Ontario, well known for his charitable and humanitarian activities. He retired as a captain in the
London Fire Department, where he worked for 29 years, but he is perhaps better known as the co-executive director of the
London Food Bank for over 25 years. He has also previously been involved in the
Ontario Association of Food Banks as a board member, serving one term as Chairperson. Since 1998, along with his wife, Jane Roy, Pearson has worked on
human rights and development projects in
Sudan. This work included building schools and infrastructure, general community development and campaigning against
slavery. On August 15, 2007, Pearson reunited his Sudanese born adoptive daughter, Abuk Roy, with her twin sister, Achan and brother Ater, who were previously thought to be dead. ==Politics==