Legacy giving 2016 by Daily Courier

Legacy Giving

2016 Edition 6th Annual

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THE DAILY COURIER

Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

HEART & STROKE

Planned giving as natural as breathing For Loran and Carol Wright, charitable giving isn’t a conscious decision – it’s an ingrained act that is as natural as breathing. They have early memories of their families donating any extra dollars they could to charity, and the couple acquired a communitycentred focus through observing their families’ generosity with money and volunteering time. As adults, Loran and Carol have made yearly donations for 40 years to non-profit organizations that address heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

They regularly send money in honour of their birthdays and holidays, as well as in memory of friends and family that passed away. More than a decade ago, Loran benefitted from Heart and Stroke Foundation research and services when he underwent triple bypass surgery. After a successful recovery, Loran and Carol decided to leave a gift to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in their wills. “If we don’t donate, how are we going to get better treatments?” Carol points out as one of the driving forces behind their legacy gift.

Okanagan College has a proud history of trades training in the region.

and discussing the importance of leaving a donation to charity in wills. They hope to inspire others to support cardiac research, groundbreaking therapies and services that will benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation well into the future.

eave an verlasting

ift nd hange the lives of outh and children in in the Okanagan.

1-888-650-6968 plannedgiving@okanagan.bc.ca

OCRTP 29895

In addition to leaving a gift, Carol and Loran have become passionate advocates for planned giving. As naturally open and friendly people, they often strike up conversations with strangers – and these exchanges can lead to Loran and Carol sharing their story

- Les Mortimer Plumbing and Piping graduate, 2015

YMCA of Okanagan

Please consider donating to the YMCA of Okanagan in your will or estate plan.

Charity Registration #11924 0224 RR0001

To make your gift, please contact Rhonda Zakala: 250-491-9622 ext. 304 | rzakala@ymcaokanagan.ca

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

KELOWNA WOMEN’S SHELTER

Remembering shelter obvious choice for artist

hen Kelowna artist Janice Sich sat down to write her will, she initially planned to share her estate among her nephew and

Help Lines

— You can provide legacy support for two nieces. Kelowna Women’s Shelter through a be“Then I thought to myself, hold on a quest in your will and by giving to our enminute, they don’t really need this and it dowment fund, established through won’t benefit them in any way,” says Central Okanagan Foundation. Janice. — For more information or to request a A passionate, lifetime feminist, survivor copy of our planned giving package, contact the Shelter at 778-478-7774. of intimate partner violence, and former volunteer of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store, Janice decided the Whether you choose to rememShelter would benefit most from ber an organization in your will in any legacy she might leave bethe form of a bequest, or by way of hind, so she decided to leave the a gift to an endowment fund, organization her entire estate. planned giving offers a range of “I own my vehicle and my apartbenefits. ment outright, and I figure by the Your assets remain in your contime I die the apartment might be trol during your lifetime and you worth a lot more than it is today, can modify your wishes if your which could really make a differcircumstances change. When you ence,” she says. “To know I will be pass away, your donation beSich able to help out other women and comes the seed from which an ornot leave my family to worry about selling ganization can reap years of benefit in exmy apartment or any of my stuff is a huge actly the manner you intended. relief.” Planned giving can also help you reduce That desire to create a legacy that has the income or estate taxes on your estate. potential to change lives for years to come Established in 1980, Kelowna Women’s is common among those who participate in Shelter provides emergency and transitionplanned giving. al housing, counselling support and pre-

Mom on Mountain by Janice Sich.

vention education to women and their children who have experienced intimate partner violence.

Counsellors are there to answer calls and provide support 24 hours a day, and can be reached at 250-763-1040.

Planned Giving A personal legacy that gives back for years to come Imagine doing something today that will change people’s lives long after you are gone. Something you know will have an impact for generations.

To learn more call

778.478.7774

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

KGH FOUNDATION

Legacy gift to support health care for future generations The work of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation reaches far beyond the hospital. This independent, volunteer-driven organization also enhances the delivery of health care through four extended care facilities, the Central Okanagan Hospice House and community mental health programs. The KGH Foundation receives tremendous support from our community. Local resident, Dorothy Thomson supports the Foundation with annual donations and recently supported the Foundation’s Giving Giggles Campaign. She has also included a legacy gift through her will. As Dorothy says, “My children and

grandchildren were born at Kelowna General Hospital. “I have welcomed people into this world and said goodbye to them at this hospital. It has been a big part of my life and my family’s life for many years.” Legacy gifts of every size are greatly appreciated and help the Kelowna General Hospital continue its excellent standards of care. By creating a gift today, you can ensure the financial future of KGH in a substantial way without affecting your own security and peace of mind. To learn more about how you can help, visit kghfoundation.com or contact Diane Paterson, manager of gift planning at 250862-4300, local 7011 or diane.paterson@interiorhealth.ca.

Dorothy Thomson

Devoted to Helping Little Hearts in Our Community Cops for Kids are dedicated RCMP members and friends that are committed to providing financial assistance to children in medical, physical or traumatic crisis within the Southern Interior Region of British Columbia.

We earn a living by what we get, but we enhance a life through our generosity. Consider a child in crisis.

www.copsforkids.org

250-801-4438

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Legacy Giving PUSHOR-MITCHELL

Some questions to get you thinking about estate planning Estate planning easier with answers to these questions If you don’t already have a will in place, or if you haven’t looked at your will for a while, take five minutes to answer these simple questions. You may be surprised how many of them apply to you. DO YOU HAVE A WILL? If you die without a will, your assets may be administered by the Public Trustee and distributed in a manner contrary to your wishes.

DO YOU HAVE A POWER OF ATTORNEY AND REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT? If you become incapacitated without an enduring power of attorney and representation agreement, your financial and health care decisions may become the responsibility of a government official who is not familiar with your wishes.

DO YOU KNOW MUCH ABOUT TRUSTS? DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN? You’ve probably heard the term, but how do you know if it’s right Your will is the legal instrument for you? Trusts are an excellent that allows you to appoint an exDeDominicis tool which can protect your estate ecutor/trustee and the guardian of from will variation claims and your children. If you do not have a will, the government save you thousands in taxes. may act as guardian of your children until a DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS? court-appointed guardian is selected, and Giving assets or shares in a company is a any money for the benefit of your children will be held by the government until your tricky business. Any shareholder agreements or partnership agreements need to be children turn 19. Wouldn’t you prefer to appoint close fam- carefully reviewed by your lawyer to ensure ily members or friends to take care of your they reflect your wishes. children and to control at what age they reDO YOU HAVE ASSETS ceive their trust fund? OUTSIDE B.C.? MARRIED? DIVORCED? If you own assets in another province or Divorce or marriage may have a signifi- country, it is very important to discuss these cant impact on your estate distribution. with your lawyer to make sure your estate Children of a prior marriage may not re- plan provides for the most tax-effective disceive what is intended without the comple- position of these assets. tion of a new will. ARE YOU A BLENDED FAMILY? A blended family situation adds complexity to your estate plan. Tangled assets, exspouses, “your children, my children and our children” can have major ramifications on your estate plan. CHANGE IN YOUR NET WORTH? Probate fees increase and tax matters become more complex as your net worth increases. There are ways to minimize both for your estate.

For more information on estate plan ning/incapacity planning and to discuss your specific circumstances, con tact Vanessa DeDominicis at dedomini cis@pushormitchell.com or on 250-8691140. Vanessa practices in the area of wills and estates at Pushor Mitchell LLP in Kelowna and would be more than happy to assist you. This is provid ed as information only; it should not be construed as legal advice.

Darrell and Margaret Porubanec Legacy Donors, Kelowna, BC

REMEMBER KGH IN YOUR WILL Every gift to the KGH Foundation impacts the lives of your family and community now and for generations to come. To discuss ways to create your legacy, please contact Diane.

DIANE PATERSON Manager of Gift Planning 250.862.4300 local 7011 | diane.paterson@interiorhealth.ca kghfoundation.com

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

GOSPEL MISSION

More than just a meal At Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, we see many people who were introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age. They are lost, lonely and confused, with little desire to live. They’ve exhausted their resources and have usually lost their relationships with family and friends. Most are at rock bottom and some are ready to make changes. This is where Kelowna’s Gospel Mission comes in. Through our Step Up program, men in need are able to transform their lives one step at a time, working on discipleship, life skills and service, away from the temptations of the street and old habits. Lester Mesenbrink, manager of the Men’s Step up Program said, “In talking to the men, there is a need for a safe and structured environment. When someone wants to make a change, we are there to guide and support them, helping to make that step up. It is our greatest desire to lead them into wholeness” Our guys can even get work experience by volunteering in our kitchen and thrift store! “When the men are working in the kitchen

you can see that they take pride in a job well done,” said our kitchen manager. “They are happier and start to have a glimmer of hope.” It’s amazing to see so much growth in one place, and watch as

BRAIN INJURY CAN HAPPEN IN AN INSTANT ... and last a lifetime CONSIDER BRAINTRUST IN YOUR WILL

250-762-3233 www.braintrustcanada.com

our clients turn around and give back! Whether it’s serving a bowl of soup to a man who has been sleeping on the streets or making lunches for other guests who have recently started new jobs, they joy-

fully do what others have done for them. Kelowna’s Gospel Mission offers a system of accountability where men live alongside others who understand their struggles.

Community support is vital to people in recovery. In addition to our Step Up program, we have a trained case management team working on individual “wellness plans” for our clients. They meet one-on-one to make personal assessments and provide concrete help, such as connections to employment, recovery and housing programs that best suit their needs. They then follow through to attend appointments along with community members and show their personal support in an effort to break down any barriers. Along with these life-giving programs for men, we also recently launched our new women’s recovery program! And we’re looking forward to adding new classes and programs through the use of community volunteers. The gifts of time and money make a world of difference to someone who feels as though the world has deserted them. The people of Kelowna should be proud of the work Kelowna’s Gospel Mission is doing! If you would like to support Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, please visit kelownagospelmission.ca.

BrainTrust Canada Association Charity Registration # 140202003RR0001

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

OKANAGAN BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS

Great Futures Start Here 37 clubs across the Okanagan Valley provide inclusive, supportive and fun places for all Great futures start at the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs! We believe all children and youth deserve a safe place to belong where they can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. Our 37 clubs across the Okanagan Valley provide inclusive, supportive and fun places for all who walk through our doors. Kids are given the opportunity to discover, dream and grow to be healthy successful and active participants in society. We offer a wide variety of essential services including early childhood and after-school programs designed to meet the needs of working parents and their young children as well as programs targeted to needy families to help them help themselves. Youth are also important to us. Our work with young people includes providing programs and services that help them learn lead-

ership and employment skills, gives them opportunities to participate in healthy physical recreation, develop strong relationships with adults who provide guidance and support all of which helps them grow into contributing adults in our communities. Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs also operates a youth centre/shelter in downtown Kelowna that provides real life changing opportunities for at-risk youth. Our centre helps kids move toward positive life directions by first meeting their basic needs— safety, shelter and food—and then engaging them in wraparound services like counselling and family reconnect programs to help them get from “the street to a job.” Our youth shelter is the only one of its kind in the vast region between Vancouver and Calgary. All of our programs require support both financially and in-kind to help us do the work we do. With serving over 1,000 children, youth and families daily

through our programs we look to generous donors and volunteers to assist us in purchasing food supplies, equipment, transportation, facilities and carrying out activities.

Together, we can ensure that great futures are to come for the children and youth we serve. Help us give the children, youth and families in our communities a safe place where they can feel val-

ued, cared for and respected. Become the one who helps Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs young people have a great future. For information, call 250-7623914 or visit boysandgirlsclubs.ca.

now canada society NOW Canada Society provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and affordable living apartments as well as a range of programs and service to compliment each housing opportunity. We work with some of our community’s most vulnerable females. If you are considering making a Legacy Gift – please consider NOW Canada. Your generosity could make a huge difference in the lives of women, youth and families who call Kelowna ‘home’. For further details see our website: www.nowcanada.ca or call 250

763 3876

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

CENTRAL OKANAGAN HOSPICE ASSOCIATION

A reason to give By SUSAN STEEN Half of Canadians do not have a Will. This startling fact means that half of our 35.16 million population has not given any thought to providing even a small amount to a charitable cause after they’re gone. There are over 170,000 charitable nonprofit organizations in Canada, with over 85,000 registered charities. Sustainability, is of course, the goal for every one of those organizations and every charity faces the same challenges..prospecting for donor dollars, planning and organizing events, ensuring the media knows what we do and

why, seeking sponsorship, engaging volunteers, and so much more. This all requires staffing, offices, expenses and other costs which each and every non-profit incurs just to exist. Non-profits in Canada also employ 2 million Canadians and another 13 million Canadians Volunteer. Non-profit organizations contribute 8.1% to the GDP. Non-profits provide a myriad of programs, services, assistance and support to millions of our countrymen and save tax payers millions more. While these may be interesting facts, they don’t tell the real story and don’t put faces

to those who are the recipient of these services and programs, nor to we see the individuals who work in this sector and who dedicate their working life to ensuring that others are helped and supported. All the while, juggling funds to keep the programs going and the doors open. Leaving even a small gift in your Will lessens the burden and enables the charity of your choice to use their hard earned funds for the very purpose for which they exist – to build better communities by helping, supporting and caring for Canadians across the country. You may have heard the expression, “High tide raises all boats” and that is no more true than when speaking of Legacy

Giving. It doesn’t matter to which charity you give…we all benefit when a charitable gift is given because we all know that the culture of giving exists and can grow. In other words, carve your name on hearts, not tombstones because a legacy is etched into the hearts of others and the stories they share about you…a legacy gift is where caring starts. So for al the non-profits whose only goal is to be the best they can be for those they serve, please leave a gift to a charity... any charity – we all will benefit because you care. Susan Steen is executive director of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. C a l l 2 5 0 - 7 6 3 - 5 5 1 1.

It’s your Gift... It’s your Choice We are a non-profit, charitable organization providing services to seniors since 1987. To see our Housing Directory, Elderguide and other programs and services we offer, see seniorsoutreach.ca Our services rely on your support, and we thank you for your generous donations.

(250) 861-6180

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

BRAINTRUST

Darren’s Story BrainTrust Canada’s peer, individual programs help clients cope with injuries Darren was a teacher in Alberta in 1999 when he was waiting for surgery, and it is believed that as a result of some medication he was taking, he contracted a viral infection in his brain. When he woke up in the hospital the day after being admitted, he did not know why he was there, although he recognized family and friends and visited. They knew something was terribly wrong, however, when they would leave the room for a moment and when they returned he acted as though they had just arrived. Darren’s short-term memory had virtually disappeared.

Following some time in rehabilitation, first computer and because of his shortDarren returned home, yet his memory isterm memory challenges, it took him sues remained, which made it diffithree days to learn how to turn it cult for family and friends to cope. on and off, until the memory Sadly, his marriage dissolved as “stuck.” Being involved with a result of these and other chalBrainTrust gave Darren an imlenges, and he also lost friends who portant structure to his life in the could not understand why he could early years following his injury, not remember to show up for visits especially in the area of socializaor activities. tion, which research has shown He moved to Kelowna in 2001 and is a leading factor in improving began a relationship with an individual’s quality of life. BrainTrust Canada to help him Darren continues to struggle Darren cope with the outcomes of his brain with the outcomes of his injury injury. This included individualized support and a variety of health issues. Sadly, he as well as groups, including Peer Support also recently suffered the death of his secwhere Darren met other individuals with ond wife. similar issues. However, Darren remains hopeful about Darren recalls a story where he got his the future and is grateful for BrainTrust 7JG NKDTCT[ JCU DGPGŜVGF O[ JWUDCPF CU JG PQY WUGU G $WFKQDQQMU 7JKU is a huge plus as his 3CTMKPUQPŊU JCU CśGEVGF JKU G[GU ,ŊO UQ JCRR[ VQ UGG O[ JWUDCPF NKUVGPKPI VQ CPF GPLQ[KPI C IQQF DQQM – quote from participant in the Senior Tech Training program.

Help continue to make enjoyment, education and information accessible to all with a generous gift in support of the Okanagan Regional Library. Call 250-860-4033 ext 2451 or email admin@orl.bc.ca

Connecting Curious Minds

Canada’s support over the years. Brain injury can happen in an instant and last a lifetime. It is the leading cause of death and disability under the age of 45, and has been labeled an epidemic. BrainTrust Canada is an Okanagan based charitable association that exists to improve the quality of life for individuals with brain injury, and also reduce preventable brain injuries through education. There are a variety of ways that you can help, including a financial gift for today, or for tomorrow, such as a bequest in your will. For further information about our charity and our cause contact info@braintrustcanada.com or 250-762-3233 ext. 109.

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

OKANAGAN REGIONAL LIBRARY

Year of the Wise: changing lives at the library in 2015 “I signed up on Facebook and can now connect with my family and friends.” “Now I can find job sites to help me in my search for employment.” “I learned how to downsize photos so I can send them to my friends in other countries.” “We can read books online while we travel.” Senior Tech Training programs at ORL The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) has a long history of supporting early literacy and providing entertaining and educational story times for children. However, last year we sought to increase engagement with an older segment of our communities, people that perhaps hadn’t been to the library for many years. So 2015 was declared “Year of the Wise”! This was a two-way initiative between local library branches and members of the community, with 1) special programs been created and delivered for adult audiences, and 2) also inviting the expertise and talents of our senior residents to provide programs at the library. We were overwhelmed with volunteers willing to share their skills and create new programs for the library. In fact, the number of adult-geared programs and attendees at branch events more than doubled in a year – from 704 programs with 10,353 attendees in 2014 to 1415 programs with 21,272 attendees in 2015! In addition to regularly-programmed

GARY NYLANDER/The Daily Courier

Christine McPhee, reference librarian with Okanagan Regional Library, helps Bill Peckham with is his tablet as Linda Downard looks on.

book clubs and knitting circles, there were hundreds of unique programs and events highlighting seniors’ talents in the community, such as: In Cherryville, local seniors adults organized “A History of Cherryville” story time in the park where families gathered to share tales about the local community

A First Nations Elder in Lumby presented several beading workshops for children, demonstrating how to create jewelry showcasing local First Nations heritage Two Oliver seniors who live a portion of their on a sailboat presented a series of workshops on their experiences sailing around the world

Local enthusiasts set up regular salsa dance and yoga sessions at the South Shuswap library In Enderby, a certified sleep consultant presented a program on the need for sleep for children and parents And hundreds more… The ORL also organized touring programs throughout the 29-branch system targeting seniors’ wellness, including the Poppy Cove Mystery Tour and a Pain Management Workshop delivered by SelfManagement BC. One of the most successful “Year of the Wise” programs was senior tech training. ORL staff visited every library branch to conduct personalized tech sessions helping residents learn how to maximize use of their smartphones, tablets and computers. 448 seniors participated the trainings and 69 per cent said they want the ORL to continue the program to learn more about how to download e-books and audiobooks, use Facebook, edit and send pictures, and blog. Such investments wouldn’t be possible without community support. When considering charities and legacy giving, many overlook the library on the assumption that everything is covered through tax dollars; however, donations enrich and augment collections, spaces and programs, and ultimately touch the community in so many life-changing ways. Contact 250-860-4033, Ext. 2451 or admin@orl.bc.ca to give.

Investors Group Financial Services Inc

1265 Ellis St. Kelowna BC V1Y 1Z7 • t: (250)763-7161 • f: (250)763-9116 • www.cofoodbank.com

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

FOOD BANK

Meet Kyler; hunger has no age limit Adorable Kyler is a bright and inquisitive six month old. He’s also at that age where everything is going into his mouth. “You really have to watch him,” mom Nicole laughs. “He’s grabbing everything – not just toys, but phone cords, pens and my hair! Anything he can get his little hands on.” Kyler is smiling and laughing and bouncing all the time – especially when mom puts on cartoons or music. “He loves to bounce and make a lot of noise.” “The Central Okanagan Food Bank helps significantly. Not only are the staff and volunteers compassionate and caring, Kyler is growing strong thanks to the Tiny Bundles program. All I really wish for Kyler is to be happy and healthy,” says Nicole. Unfortunately, there are many stories like

this one. Each month, the Central Okanagan Food Bank helps over 100 children under the age of one and about 25 pregnant moms. Research shows that healthy children learn better, are stronger, more productive and have a better chance of breaking cycles of poverty and realizing their full potential. We know that a monthly food hamper does not end hunger, but it is a start. Healthy food is the foundation of a healthy community. In 2009, we partnered with Investors Group to establish our Charitable Foundation fund account, enabling people to plant a seed, feed a family and grow a legacy. Eventually, the foundation account will provide annual grants to help meet our operational expenses. Additional contributions will grow the fund each year, thereby in-

creasing the amount of the annual grant. Ultimately, we aim to reduce our reliance on direct fundraising, sustaining our budget through foundation grants while growing the foundation fund principal. You do not have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Today, individual contributions help keep the food bank going on a daily basis. By establishing a bequest through our charitable foundation, individuals can leave a legacy that will help children like Kyler realize their dreams. Call Mark O’Hara at Investors Group, 250762-3329, to see how you can invest in the future of Kelowna’s children today.

Kyler

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

CENTRAL OKANAGAN FOUNDATION

Our unique history History of the Central Okanagan Foundation Like any history, this is a story about people – the people in this story have the common quality of caring about the needs of residents of their community, in perpetuity. In the early 1970's the Social Planning Council of Kelowna recognized that there was a shortage of funding to help address the needs that their inquiries exposed. A three-person committee was formed comprised of Ish Holmes, Lionel Wace, the originator of the idea of a foundation, and Frank Williams. The three-man committee first approached Jake Peters, their friend, a local Alderman,

and a person who was known to support worthy causes. When the idea was shared with Jake, the three were astounded to have him so readily agree to contribute the first $5,000 with Naramata Centre as the beneficiary. The Committee concluded that a "pool" of funds was essential with the use of as much of the income as possible left to the discretion of the Directors of the new foundation for allocation. Dick Stewart, also an Alderman, and member of a long established Kelowna family, agreed to establish a family fund and to give leadership and vital assistance in the raising of the “pool” of funds. Dick was to become the first President and served as such for the first nine formative years till 1986, by which time the assets had

Foundation Families The sixteen founders were: Honourable W.A.C. Bennett & Family Carruthers Family & Meikle Family Kelowna General Hospital Society L.E. Marshall Family Aubrey Roy Pollard Family Jack & Helen Serwa J. Bruce & Ann G. Smith James H. Bannister & Madge Bannister Walden grown to $537,297. The original target was to encourage ten families to contribute $5,000 each over a period of no more than five years. The personal interviews that led to 16 pos-

Capozzi Family Ephriam Arthur Day Family D.G. McConachie Family M. Jake Peters Camillo Rampone Family S.M. Simpson Family Richard John Stewart Family West Sunnyside Lands Ltd

itive responses were not only for funds but also were for interest in serving as founding Directors. The new society was incorporated on January 31, 1977. — By Frank Williams

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

OKANAGAN COLLEGE

Leaving a legacy, building for the valley’s future After migrating from Ottawa to the Okanagan, David Perron and Patricia Kully began looking for ways to make a difference in their new community; they found it through supporting students who have travelled a long way to get here. A family reunion first brought the couple to the valley five years ago. By the time the visit was over, they had both fallen in love with the region and decided to make it their retirement home; they moved to West Kelowna a year later. One day, Perron was updating his will and began to think about what kind of legacy he and Kully could leave. Given their passion for education—his background is in technology and hers is in secondary education—making a gift that would break down barriers to post-secondary education was a natural fit. A tour of the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence at Okanagan College’s Penticton campus left them inspired by the College’s dedication to teaching and innovation. They began looking at existing funds and student awards they might support, and thought long about how best to make a gift that would have a lasting impact. “The College is very welcom-

Submitted photo

Okanagan College donors David Perron and Patricia Kully sponsor a student award for new Canadians, mature students or single parents.

ing,” says Kully. “We were searching for ways to establish a deeper connection to the community and one of the ways we found it was through our involvement here.” Having lived for many years in Ottawa, both Perron and Kully

had been touched by the diversity of experiences, knowledge and cultures brought to Canada by immigrants, and more so by the struggles faced by new Canadians. “It was comforting to know that we could have a discussion about

our needs, our intentions, and our ability to help,” says Kully. “Caring doesn’t have a price tag. Whatever each of us can do to help, big or small, benefits students and their success benefits us all.”

The couple decided that leaving a legacy didn’t have to wait until they were gone. In December 2014, they established the Perron Kully Fresh Start Fund which will provide annual awards of $1,000 or more to students in any Engineering Technology diploma program seeking to improve their opportunities through education. Perron and Kully indicated they would like to see the award support mature students, students who have immigrated to Canada and single parents. “It has been wonderful building a partnership with Okanagan College through the Foundation,” says Perron. “Everyone can understand the added challenges also facing single parents and new Canadians, so if we can help them in some small way to be successful in their education, what a true partnership, and what a wonderful legacy, that would be.” Perron and Kully are working with the Okanagan College Foundation to find a legacy giving opportunity that fits our needs and their wishes. Thanks to their generosity, their fund is already creating opportunities for students looking to expand their horizons through education at Okanagan College.

Create Your Own Legacy - Make a difference in the lives that follow! Income benefits, tax benefits - but the greatest benefit... Supporting the work of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission

250-763-3737 Leading people into wholeness

www.kelownagospelmission.ca

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

COPS FOR KIDS

The power to help comes from within More kisses. More hugs. More laughter. This is what your legacy will make possible. By including the Heart and Stroke Foundation in your Will, you’ll support life-saving heart disease and stroke research.

For more information about leaving a gift to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in your Will, call Jane Westheuser, TF 1 (888) 473-4636 Ext 8020 or visit heartandstroke.ca/legacygiving

With the ability to help, comes the responsibility to help. This commitment to help doesn’t end when the uniform comes off for RCMP members, and so in 2001, Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation was formed by a group of local RCMP members. Cops for Kids Charitable Foundation is a one-of-akind charity, based in Kelowna serving South Eastern British Columbia or the RCMP’s South East District. This group of RCMP members and friends fundraise tirelessly throughout the year to support requests from local families in medical, physical, or traumatic crisis through an annual Car Show, Golf Tournament, Slo Pitch Tournament and 1,000-kilometre ride. Their signature event, the Cops for Kids Ride takes place each September, but their commitment to the community lasts all year. During the annual Cops for Kids Ride, a team of law enforcement officials volunteer their time to cycle across South Eastern British Columbia during their ten-day fundraiser that takes them into the communities where they live and serve. Each request for funding is reviewed on an individual basis by a grants committee, with supporting

documentation required for validity. Cops for Kids is able to fill the gap where government programs and extended health benefits are unable to help, and families have nowhere else to turn. For the RCMP members who sponsor the application, it’s an opportunity to develop a lasting relationship with the families in their time of need. Cops for Kids have the unique opportunity to offer donors and sponsors the most efficient and effective way to make an immediate difference in the life of a child through grant funding that supports a specific request. With requests from families growing exponentially, the group is working even harder to meet the demand from local families. Monthly donations, legacy gifts, or a gift in memory of a lost loved one allow the organization to assist another child with the tools they need to thrive and succeed. The generosity of donors now, gives hope for the children of our future. Cops for Kids – devoted to helping little hearts in our community! To learn more about Cops for Kids, or to make a donation, call 250-801-4438 or visit copsforkids.org.

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Legacy Giving

Spring 2016

KELOWNA COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

A 40th anniversary gift of music Kelowna Community Music School has been serving the local community since 1976. We are about to enter our 40th year, and plan to celebrate with a series of events to mark the occasion and to thank all those who founded the school and have dedicated their time and skills to making it what it is today. Music touches us all, whether as a professional player, learning an instrument, attending a concert or simply noticing a catchy tune as we pass an open window. Many Okanagan residents have been involved with music at some point in their lives and understand the importance of music educa-

tion to a young mind. Ensuring future education and honouring achievement by way of scholarships through endowment funds is a wonderful way to leave a legacy. Established by a group of teachers who recognised a need for music education, Kelowna Community Music School is a not-for-profit organization with 26 dedicated teachers offering private lessons and group music programs to over 600 students annually. The school has four endowment funds with the Central Okanagan Foundation to support music scholarship programs.

Individuals interested in supporting music students are welcome to donate to these funds or establish a new fund in their name by contacting Central Okanagan Foundation or Lucy Benwell, Executive Director of the Kelowna Community Music School, at 250-860-1737 or execdir.kcms@shaw.ca Whether as a specific one time donation, an annual ongoing contribution or a willed legacy endowment fund, your donation supports a bright future for the arts in our community. For details about the school and its activities, look us up at kelownacommunitymusicschool.ca.

ENDOWMENTS • GRANTS • COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Give the Gift of the Future A Legacy Gift to the BC Wildlife Federation allows you to contribute to a sustainable future through conservation and UHKDELOLWDWLRQ RI % & V SUHFLRXV ´VK DQG ZLOGOLIH KDELWDWV DQG ecosystems. The Future is in their hands. Help us protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for present and future generations.

Contact us today to leave your Conservation Legacy! 1-888-881-2293 ext. 223 | dev_coordinator@bcwf.bc.ca www.bcwf.bc.ca | Registered Charity # 11880 1315 RR0001

By building your own endowment fund, or by supporting an existing fund, you can ensure your legacy gift will keep on giving – forever! To find out how you can invest in the future well-being of our community, please contact: Bruce Davies at 250-861-6160 or bruce@centralokanaganfoundation.org.