Salmon Steward

"W e live in Howe Sound and have been amazed to see improvements to marine life and habitat over the last 15 years," says local couple Je Giesbrecht and Rosann Youck. "The clean-up of the Britannia Beach mine and other industrial polluters coupled with the stewardship eorts of streamkeepers has resulted in dolphins and whales returning to Howe Sound in numbers not seen for 100 years. We believe in the Pacific Salmon Foundation's vision because we see the results: marine habitat has improved through the support of grassroots streamkeeping projects and advocacy initiatives based on research and science. We want to help the Foundation ensure the continued vitality of the B.C. coastlines for wild Pacific salmon and the many species they support." The Foundation oers its heartfelt thanks to Je and Rosann, who recently informed us they have chosen to leave a bequest in their wills. Their financial adviser assisted them with the correct wording to ensure their wishes will be fulfilled and their gift will support grants for streamkeeping organizations through the Foundation. In turn, the Foundation has welcomed them to the "Salmon Legacy Circle," joining other donors who have informed us of confirmed gifts in their wills. There are many ways a bequest (gift in a will) can fulfil a donor's wish, such as: • Supporting streamkeeping or salmon enhancement projects; • providing scholarships for students pursuing an education that will benefit salmon; • or contributing to an endowment fund to support future projects developed by the Foundation and its partners. "Knowing that you are making a dierence for your favourite charity is just one of the benefits of bequests," says Margaret Buttner, manager of planned and annual giving for the Foundation. "It also allows you to make a larger gift than you are currently able to make on an annual basis. As well, your gift will reduce or eliminate taxes owed by your estate, and should your circumstances change, most bequests are revocable or can be modified. Best of all, your planned gift will not aect your cash flow during your lifetime." Adds Buttner: "Of course, the first step in including a gift in your will is consulting with a professional adviser to ensure your estate plans reflect your financial situation and your family's future needs." If you decide it is feasible to make a bequest to the Foundation, Buttner would be happy to meet with you to discuss your interests and options. You might also wish to discuss your wishes with your family. In leaving a bequest, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your thoughtfulness will help guide the sustainability of wild Pacific salmon and their habitat and leave a legacy for British Columbians for generations to come. n "Planned gifts can take many shapes and forms. The majority of bequests are cash gifts, either a specific dollar amount or a share or percentage of your estate. Other popular options include life insurance policies (either donating an existing policy or purchasing a policy naming Pacific Salmon Foundation as the beneficiary), gifts of securities or mutual funds, or designation of a TFSA, RRSP or RRIF. In these instances, the Foundation becomes the beneficiary of the shares or plan." Learn more about leaving a gift in your will by reaching out to Margaret via mbuttner@psf.ca or 604.664.7664 ext. 128 Margaret Buttner Manager, Planned and Annual Giving, Pacific Salmon Foundation Dave Nanson (DFO) and Doug Swanson (Seacology) monitor Chinook in the near-shore environment, just one of 99 projects in Howe Sound made possible by $3.3 million in Foundation grants. SAVING SALMON HABITAT, ONE GIFT AT A TIME Consider devoting a portion of your will to help fund the Foundation's conservation eorts 14 2018 psf.ca Jeff and Rosann share their enthusiasm for nature with their dogs.

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