Meliora Petens Legacy Society

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MELIORA PETENS LEGACY SOCIETY

Your

Legacy

The Legacy of Sir James A.M. Aikins

Born near the village of Grahamsville in Peel County on December 10, 1851, Sir James A. M. Aikins moved with his family to Toronto in 1868. After completing his education at Upper Canada College and then studies in law at University of Toronto, he toured Manitoba, a place with “ample room to grow,” where he became one of the most influential lawyers in Western Canada. Soon after his marriage to Mary French Colby, their family home, Riverbend, was built in 1902. Aikins later became Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.

After suffering from a heart attack, he died at home on March 1, 1929 at age 77.

Given his faith, and firm support of education, his will included the following bequest: “To pay to United Church of Canada $100,000 in trust to invest the same for income and to use the income therefrom annually towards the creation and maintenance of a girls’ school in Winnipeg under the auspices and care of United Church of Canada.”

Your Legacy

Our Founding Gifts This large sum of money was by no means the end of the story, but was the beginning of a second chapter when another Aikins was tasked to fulfill his father’s vision.

Gordon Harold Aikins, second son of James Aikins, entrusted his family home (“The Red House”), and his father’s (“The White House”), in addition to eight acres of property, to establish Riverbend School in honour of his late father.

Riverbend opened its doors in 1929 with the following mission: “The aim should be to stimulate the student to think for herself rather than merely to absorb knowledge… to awaken her to the vital relationship between intelligence on the one hand and manners and morals on the other.”

This mission is still relevant, inspiring girls to excel, to reach, and to lead in preparation for university nearly a century later. Chartered after an amalgamation with Rupert’s Land School in 1950, Balmoral Hall School continues to cherish its heritage.

These gifts established one of our founding schools.

Bequests like these will ensure Balmoral Hall School is here for future generations.

A promise to the Future

M

Legacy gifts ensure Balmoral Hall School prospers for generations to come. Meliora Petens Legacy Society, established in 2004, recognizes individuals who make this promise. Although charitable bequests may not materialize for many years, members of the legacy society are recognized now.

Membership encourages and inspires others.

Too often, organizations are made aware of gifts after the donor’s passing, which makes it impossible to show appreciation during his or her lifetime. Understandably, some donors elect not to be recognized publically; however, we encourage donors to inform us of their intentions, thereby sustaining Balmoral Hall School’s future thanks to legacy gifts that align with our strategic vision. Indeed, it is possible to make a difference while remaining anonymous.

Whatever your goals, however your means, you can make a difference. No gift is too small. We are committed to work with you to ensure your gift reflects your intentions and fulfills your commitment to the future.

we invite you to become a member of the meliora petens legacy society today.

Meliora Petens

Legacy Society this world does not exist without you.

A charitable bequest to Balmoral Hall School is a pen with which you write a timeless story of who you are, what you believe in, and why.

How will you leave your mark?

Let’s inspire girls to excel, to reach, and to lead forevermore.

A will of your own

One of the most important documents to be signed in your lifetime A valid, up-to-date will ensures property is distributed according to preference, eases family dissension over how to divide assets, and relieves stress for loved ones who are surely going through a difficult time.

After providing for your family, you may wish to consider leaving a charitable bequest to not-for-profit organizations that share your values.

While providing tax credits to preserve your estate for heirs, legacy gifts also benefit your community.

What if I do not have a will?

The Intestate Succession Act applies, and, while in most cases the rules are not unreasonable, your wishes are not taken into account, meaning you lose control over the disbursement of your estate.

Consider the following aspects of an effective estate plan.

1. THE WILL 2. PLANNING WHILE ALIVE

(i.e. holding assets jointly­, naming individuals as designated beneficiaries of insurance policies etc.)

3. GENERAL (ENDURING)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

4. HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE OR LIVING WILL

The objectives of an effective estate plan are as follows.

• Maximize proceeds available for heirs.

• Distribute assets according to your wishes.

• Name a trusted personal or corporate executor to administer your estate to avoid family strife, legal challenges, delays in settling the estate, unnecessary taxes, probate fees charged by the province or state, and ultimate loss of control of familial assets.

How to Prepare an Estate Plan MEET WITH YOUR LAWYER When planning your estate, your lawyer will remind you of regulations affecting the arrangement of your affairs. While it is possible to make a will without involving a lawyer, either through a holographic will (i.e. a dated and signed handwritten document) or a pre-printed will (e.g. will kit), expenses may be incurred in the long run.

SPECIFY YOUR LEGACY • Consult financial professionals to maximize advantages to you and nonprofit(s).

• Leave a bequest (i.e. a dollar amount, percentage, or residue of assets) to nonprofit(s) of choice.

• Name a nonprofit as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, pension plan, existing life insurance policy, et cetera.

• Purchase a new life insurance policy, naming a nonprofit as a beneficiary.

• Establish a gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, or gift of securities.

TALK TO YOUR LOVED ONES Make family members aware of your intentions so they are able to support, celebrate, and honour your intentions.

ORIGINAL CRESTS

REDRAWN CRESTS

REDRAWN CRESTS

Our heritage will never be forgotten. Our legacy is a shared commitment to philanthropy. Inform us of your charitable bequest in order to be gratefully recognized (publicly or anonymously) as a member of Meliora Petens Legacy Society.