Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/198486
y, New Ideas Sheila Ross (née Graham) holds a photo of nine of her 12 brothers and sisters from 1932 (Sheila is the babe in arms, second from right). "You know, I've often wondered why people don't give to a charity in honour of someone, and do it while the person is still alive, rather than in their memory, so they can see the difference it makes." "My mail never comes without something in it," she says. "Usually two or three big grant requests. I also get a lot of letters from people, and notes from friends on where I can spend money. "You know, I've often wondered why people don't give to a charity in honour of someone, and do it while the person is still alive, rather than in their memory, so they can see the difference it makes. "It's pretty hard to live in this world without giving back," Ross muses. "I have everything I want. Travel isn't as appealing as it used to be. And I want to give back to the community." To do that, Sheila Ross seeks the advice of the experts at Vancouver Foundation. She uses their expertise and contacts in the community to find out where the greatest need lies. "They look after us very well. I feel like our donations are being well used. "Can I show you something?" she asks. She disappears into another room, and returns with some photos. "Look at these. This is something I like to do." She proffers a picture of a rainy schoolyard. Someone is being interviewed by a TV crew. It's obviously a miserable day, but there are children on a new swing set and they seem to be having fun. "The Foundation sent this to me," she explains, pointing out a figure in dark blue fleece and a toque hovering in the background of the photo. "Isn't that something? That's me!" she says with more than a hint of childish delight. Ross smiles broadly. "That's what I like to do. It's funny you know – apparently there was another donor who helped with the swing set. I never did find out who it was." VF If you would like to learn more about how you can give back to your community, call Peter in Development and Donor Services at Vancouver Foundation at 604.629.5357, or visit our website at vancouverfoundation.ca/give To learn more about donating securities, see page 31 of this issue. Fall 2013 I Vancouver Foundation l page 19 p18-19 Sheila Ross.indd 19 13-10-11 1:33 PM