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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1296256
C R E A T E A L E G A C Y Gifted for Life I n 1943, the Vancouver Foundation received its first gift–$1,000 from Alice McKay, saved from her secretarial job. That was the beginning of an endowment fund that has supported countless charities in British Columbia thanks to individual and corporate generosity, much of it in the form of legacy gifts. What kind of legacy will you leave behind? "Death and dying –this is an uncomfortable conversation and so easy to put aside," says Craig Hikida, vice- president of donor services for Vancouver Foundation. "But families can take comfort knowing their loved ones' wishes have been fulfilled. Having that conversation during one's lifetime alleviates the burden of having to decipher these wishes after the fact." Legacy giving is important for the community, as well as the donors. "If you have been involved in a charitable organization or have received services, wouldn't you want that organization to flourish beyond your lifetime?" Hikida asks. Kim Findlay, divisional director of development for The Salvation Army, says legacy giving allows the organization to plan for the future. "It allows us to plan and builds an ever-lasting legacy of hope through continued funding," he says. Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army operates 56 locations across the province, helping to feed, clothe and provide shelter to the most vulnerable members of our communities, while helping others escape violence and addiction. Findlay says talking about legacy wishes with an organization in advance allows the donor to choose an area he or she is passionate about, and it allows the organization to thank the donor in advance. "For instance, if they are passionate about food delivery or shelter and housing, we will take them on a tour of those programs to see how their gift will have an impact," he says. Legacy donors are very forward- thinking individuals, says Patti Nakatsu, director of development for Arthritis Research Canada. "Legacy giving is an opportunity to ensure a lasting impact for one's most valued causes. These are very special gifts, and donors are encouraged to make known their specific wishes." Arthritis Research Canada is North America's largest arthritis research organization. Though often overlooked as a natural part of aging, arthritis affects one in six Canadians from the age of two and upwards and can be life-threatening, particularly inflammatory types like rheumatoid or lupus. "As a rheumatologist and scientist, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that arthritis research can have in transforming lives," says Dr. Diane Lacaille, scientific director, Arthritis Research Canada. "While we have made significant progress in the availability of treatment, there is still so much we can do to lessen the pain and disability of this disease and help people live well with arthritis." "No matter how large or small, everyone in their own way can make an important difference," she adds. "People often find they are able to have a greater impact with a gift in their will than they ever could during their lifetime, even after taking care of their loved ones." Anna du Bois, legacy and giving partnerships for TB Vets, agrees. "Wills aren't just a legal way to distribute personal assets. They can be a powerful LEGACY DONORS ARE VERY FORWARD- THINKING INDIVIDUALS