Capital Giving

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

nOveMBer 29, 2020

You can guide the future of your community and causes that you care about by making a legacy gift to the charity of your choice.

Charitable donations help to build communities and support a wide range of causes.

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2 |CAPitAL giving | 29 nOveMBer 2020

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Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter

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f you are reading this issue of Capital Giving, you are probably a person who cares.

You are someone who wants to make the community you live in happier, safer, healthier, greener, kinder, more tolerant, more compassionate, and/or more equal. You may care about the environment, social justice, health-related issues, gender equity, arts and culture, food security for children and seniors, and more.

You may be one of the over 15,000 people who contributed to the Rapid Relief Fund, helping to raise $6 million for local COVID-19 relief for organizations serving those who are less prepared to deal with the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic. With your donation, you may have helped a youth with mental health challenges make ends meet when he was given a grocery card, or a young mother in an essential service role keep her job while her children were cared for by others. For all of this and more – we thank you on behalf of the people served by the charities which received your gift.

In 1936, during the darkest days of the Great Depression, Burges Gadsden founded the Victoria Foundation on the belief that people would choose to support each other if they were given the opportunity. Gadsden’s work at the Sunshine Inn, a soup kitchen on Pandora Avenue, gave him insight into the ways donors could work with local organizations to come together and strengthen the wellbeing of community. With a $20 gift from Gadsden’s mother Fannie, the Victoria Foundation was established with a mission aimed at connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Over the past several decades, the Victoria Foundation has been proud to facilitate many generous gifts from donors that have addressed the most pressing issues affecting community wellbeing. We are honored to continue this important work with you, and have created ten Community Action Funds to allow you the opportunity to give to the causes that are most meaningful to you – while meeting the most urgent needs in our community.

Funds are distributed from each of the Community Action Funds to a wide range of vital projects, programs and initiatives in the community, including the strategic initiatives of the Victoria Foundation that foster long-term and transformational community change. Priorities are set by drawing upon the Victoria Foundation’s strong connection to community, and our history of addressing the greatest needs, opportunities, and innovations within each of the fund areas. Although the broad causes will remain constant, the priorities within them will change over time, ensuring your gift can adapt and meet the needs of our community.

Residents of Greater Victoria have always shared a strong sense of community. One where we work together and support each other as we create a vibrant, caring community for all. Whether serving on the front lines of this pandemic, or providing other vital services and programs, local charities need our help now more than ever.

You can continue to support relief and recovery efforts through our Community Action Funds: Together We Can Do More: Your gift is combined with donations from other individuals, families, and organizations, having maximum impact within a shared area of interest You Can Give with Confidence: Rely on our partnerships within community to ensure your gift will be put towards the highest and best use Have the Impact You Want: Choose the cause areas most important to you

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Your gift is as individual as you are.

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It reflects your values, hopes and traditions. This is why we offer a range of giving options to help you give confidently and efficiently. Set up a donor-advised fund to actively participate in grant-making focused on issues that interest you or make a gift to one of our Community Action Funds to support the community broadly. We are here to ensure you can be part of the change and opportunity we all want to see in our community. Together we’re better. Together we can make it happen.

Learn more at www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca, send an email to donorservices@victoriafoundation.bc.ca or call us at 250.381.5532

BUILDING COMMUNITY ACTION TOGETHER Community Action Funds allow you to give confidently to the causes that matter to you.

Whether your passion is to support the arts, health-related issues, the environment, social justice or one of the many other cause areas in our community, when you make a gift to a Community Action Fund, you can have confidence that your gift will be put to the highest and best use.

There are two ways your contribution can support the Community Action Funds:

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Give to the broader Vibrant and Caring Community Fund allowing the Foundation to respond to critical needs as they arise.

2 Concentrate your gift on one or more of the specific complex issues faced by our community.

Learn more today about how you can help to create a vibrant, caring community for all.

Contact us at 250.381.5532 or by email at donorservices@victoriafoundation.bc.ca. victoriafoundation.ca

4 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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58 Years and Counting The importance of volunteers in our community

Pictured: Left, Patricia Mamic of The Salvation Army. Middle, Ron Walker. Right, Sipili Molia of The Salvation Army.

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rowing up with Salvation Army Officers as parents certainly influences the upbringing. For Ron Walker, his role at The Salvation Army started in 1962 when he was only 10-years-old.

“I was born into it, my parents were Salvation Army Officers. Both in corps work with the church and social work. I remember when I was 10-years-old, in P.E.I., I helped my father serve coffee and donuts from the back of our station wagon at a house fire.”

His upbringing taught him well. Now 68-years-old, Ron continues to volunteer with several Salvation Army locations.

He works with family services, while being part of the community council at his own church, and helps with different campaigns year-round such as Christmas, back-to-school and summer camps; using his talent in graphics to create posters for his church.

Growing up, Ron never knew hunger or homelessness, and although his parents weren’t rich, they still helped their community. Wanting to help is what motivates him to continue volunteering.

“The people in the community are really in need and appreciate what the Army does. Simple things like offering a meal,

Kettle Campaign - the organization’s largclothing, hearing God Bless you or even a est public fund raising drive of the year. As smile makes a difference in their lives.” the corona virus continues to impact lives, Volunteering with The Salvation Army it is expected that the gives Ron a chance need for support will to not only physically continue to grow in help but emotionally “In some areas we are seeing over the coming months. and spiritually as well. a 100 percent increase in people “We are seeing “I’ve been out to who need our support. an increase in the search and rescues, The funds from our Kettle program need for our services with the family that are going to be vital across the board”, lost a member, I would in order to meet that need.” say Army spokespersay a prayer with them son Patricia Mamic. right there, expressing “In some areas we are seeing over a 100 faith and hope.” percent increase in people who need our As a long-time volunteer and comsupport. The funds from our Kettle promunity member, Ron sees the enormous impact the work that The Salvation Army’s gram are going to be vital in order to meet that need.”

Addictions & Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) The Christmas Kettle Campaign and Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) enables The Salvation Army to provide has in Victoria. And because of this he practical, compassionate assistance to doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“By giving some of your extra time, you thousands of families and individuals across Vancouver Island. Food, clothing are letting the community know that there and shelter are some of the core activities. is hope for everyone. You see the differBut contributions also allow the Army to ence you make by being there, by giving a operate its life-changing programs, such smile, you can help people turn their lives as substance-use recovery, job and skills around. And this year, I believe we are gotraining and budgeting classes. ing to need more help than ever before.”

With a fund raising goal of $300,000 On December 1st The Salvation Army this year in the CRD, and $23 million officially launches its 2020 Christmas

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nationally, The Salvation Army has some concerns as the pandemic sparks fear among those who would normally ring the bells.

“Our volunteer numbers are down over 80 percent,” says Regional Kettle Manager Sipili Molia “and they are the lifeblood of this campaign - without them, we are going to be in some serious trouble. We have hundreds of kettles scheduled to go into the community, but only dozens of volunteers to staff them.”

But Molia is not losing all hope. “This year there is an online option that we hope will bring balance to the campaign.”

Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas kettles, FilltheKettle. com, a Salvation Army mobile site, will enable donors to give through their mobile devices or computers.

“People can also host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate. This is our answer to COVID-19 and we are really hoping people will respond.”

For more information on how you can become a volunteer visit: salvationarmy. ca/volunteer or help support the Kettle campaign by donating at FilltheKettle.com.

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6 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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Mental health champions raise awareness as well as funds

Hugh Turner raises funds to support youth mental health

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ith experts continuing to raise concerns over mental health in the time of COVID-19, caring about the emotional and psychological well-being has never been more important. Organizations such as Victoria’s office of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are at the forefront of community mental health care, but their capacity to help is often reliant on the generosity and support of members of their community. These “Mental Health Heroes” are crucial in helping CMHA do the important work of reaching out to those among us who need a little help to get through these difficult times.

Philanthropist for mental health “People need to know that there are mental health programs out there to help, especially during this pandemic.” Victoria business leader Hugh Turner first encountered CMHA Victoria when the nonprofit was leasing office space from him.

He asked a lot of questions about CMHA’s work, and how it was helping people who had experienced a health crisis get back on their feet.

“Then a member of our own family had a mental health crisis,” says Hugh. Since

then Hugh has become a major fund raiser for CMHA as Sponsorship Chair for the annual Ride Don’t Hide Victoria event. “It’s really become a ‘family affair’ as both my daughters volunteer each year for the event… There’s a great spirit to the Ride that starts with our group of committee members. We all have our duties and everybody gets their tasks done.

It’s amazing the spirit that everybody in that room brings, pulling in 500-600 riders every year.”

And Hugh has seen the impact they are making through programs like CMHA’s anti-stigma summits in high schools. “It was amazing to see these kids from many different schools making connections and coming up with ideas—and they’re all going to spread the word.”

A Business Model that Brings Mental Health into the Open “I’ve had people walk in my door and break into tears.” Jim Hayden’s openness about his own ups and downs and the loss of his brother ten years ago to suicide tends to get other people talking. After losing his brother in 2010, Jim was reluctant to talk to a counsellor. “I thought, what the heck can they say that

Jim has supported CMHA through Noodlebox and MOD Pizza will help? But it’s not about comparison, it’s about getting it off your chest and being heard.” The experience inspired him to tackle mental health stigma. As an entrepreneur, it was natural for Jim to bring the cause into his business work.

Jim has supported Canadian Mental Health Association’s Victoria programs for many years, starting in 2013 with a Noodlebox Charity Day. The initiative was embraced by the company and grew to 22 Noodlebox locations throughout BC and Alberta. Jim also included a mental health promotion when he opened a MOD Pizza location in Langford. “When I open a restaurant I sit all the staff down and tell them about my experience. I want them to understand that we all have roadblocks and struggles along the way.” He’s also been supportive of employee mental health, setting up counselling benefits for staff, and hiring people who face barriers to employment. “I’ve found the ones who are quiet and have a story. They have been some of my best employees.”

Jim can be found at CMHA’s Ride Don’t Hide event building the balloon arch by hand every year. “CMHA has been just incredible. Everyone on the team goes above and beyond—there’s a lot of love,

perseverance and determination to end the stigma. When you support CMHA you’re donating to your local community— you’re really making an impact on someone’s life.”

A Silver Lining to COVID-19 COVID hit CMHA Victoria’s employment program hard. Job Developer Wendy Schulz was used to meeting clients face to face until COVID-19 restrictions came in. Wendy got creative, learning and teaching new online platforms for clients to work on their employment. These changes were not easy for those already experiencing a high level of anxiety and depression, let alone financial strain— and it became clear many clients did not have computers. Enter a generous donation from the Rapid Relief Fund by way of The Victoria Foundation. These funds provided clients with refurbished computers complete with software, setting them up to participate in online job search. The result was that clients had not just employment readiness help but also access to online connection during a time of intense isolation.

A silver lining—you bet!

BE A FRIEND OF MENTAL HEALTH with CMHA Victoria

Your generosity helps to support our programs and initiatives

DONATE TODAY Visit our page at: victoria.cmha.bc.ca

Living Life to the Full for Youth and Adults This eight week program developed by UK psychiatrist Dr. Chris Williams teaches participants how to tackle difficult situations by dealing with their feelings when they are feeling fed-up, worried and hopeless.

At Work Victoria Employment Program People who are employed are healthier, have higher self-esteem and higher standards of living. Our services are available to individuals age 16+ experiencing mental illness and/or addiction who want to work.

Headstrong Youth Anti-Stigma Summits Students come together for a day of learning and to hear stories from youth with lived experience. They take part in thoughtprovoking activities and design action plans to take back to their schools and communities to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Ride Don’t Hide This annual nationwide bike ride raises funds and awareness around the importance of mental health. Funds raised in communities support local mental health programs. Save the date Sunday, June 13th.

Youth Anti-Stigma Summit: Personal stories make an impact

Saluting the Capital’s Mental Health Heroes CMHA is grateful for the support of the following who make our work possible: Rapid Relief Fund – Victoria Foundation RBC Dominion Securities Clinic 805 Island Floor Centre Dockside Physiotherapy - Evan Thomas MOD Pizza Noodlebox Oak Bay Bikes Oak Bay Optometry

Scotty Manufacturing McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson Tulipe Noire Times Colonist Victoria Foundation Mental Health Commission of Canada Echelon Wealth Partners – Bruce & Brian Wrigley Hugh Turner – Ride Don’t Hide Sponsorship Chair Gillian Carleton – Ride Don’t Hide Ambassador

DONATE TODAY: Donations of mutual funds and securities welcome

250.216.4228 | Victoria.Branch@cmha.bc.ca Victoria.cmha.bc.ca

Make generosity part of your legacy

“I used to sell Girl Guide cookies and the neighbours would give me more money than what the cookies cost,” says Diane. “I would come home feeling distraught because I didn’t think it was fair that the neighbours were giving more than what the cookies were worth. My mom explained why they were doing it!”

Investing in the Future – Your Legacy Gift to the Community

Now in her fifties, Diane chuckles at the thought. Looking back, she realizes that giving back and helping others is part of her DNA and something that she learned not only from her neighbours, but from her parents.

But because we are a community that cares about and for each other, we will rally and we will recover. That’s because people like Diane are giving to their community now and into the future.

“We are all on the same planet and we all come with different advantages and disadvantages that may or may not be fair,” she explains. “So if I have the ability to set aside some of my income to help people then that’s what I should do. It’s not about a race and who gets to the finish line first or about leaving those behind who can’t keep up – it would be better if everyone had an overall better quality of life.”

Diane is a long-time United Way donor. She has also named United Way Greater Victoria in her will, becoming one of our Legacy Circle donors.

By leaving a legacy gift to United Way, she has made a commitment to leave a visionary investment to the community.

She trusts that United Way will use her donation to support the greatest need. Diane’s legacy gift will celebrate a lifetime of giving and continue to improve the lives of individuals and families in the future.

When COVID-19 hit our community, we were all thrown into a crisis that took us by storm. There has been a toll on our mental health, our relationships and our financial security.

If you believe in your community, we are asking that you invest in the future. Leave a Legacy that aligns with your values and help shape the future of Greater Victoria.

There are many ways you can give that will help support our community well into the future: • • • • •

Naming United Way in your Will Donating your life insurance policy to United Way Donating Gifts of Securities Donating RRSPs Donating Real Estate & Personal Property

Thank you for showing your local love. Give today.

For more information and for a confidential consultation on bequests and other types of legacy gifts please contact: Darryl Els, Individual & Planned Giving darryl.els@uwgv.ca or call 250.220.7365

Show your local love

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The Victoria Symphony plays on despite unprecedented challenges Our Mission: To enrich lives through the shared experience of extraordinary music

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he mission of the Victoria Symphony seems more important now than it has been in our 80-year history. The challenges of this unprecedented year have caused us to pause and take stock in the things we hold dear and to re-evaluate the meaning of many things we take for granted.

As the Symphony faces this time of great uncertainty, the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony is serving a vital role in keeping the music playing and providing us with the confidence that we will come back after we are through this critical time.

Through the visionary gifts and bequests from music lovers over the years, our Foundation for the Victoria Symphony helps to ensure that our treasured orchestra is capable of weathering unforeseen challenges like the current situation.

3 ways you help sustain our great orchestra!

1. Make your own pledge to leave a bequest to the Symphony in your will. By so doing you will immediately join our “Tribute Circle” and begin to enjoy many benefits of membership.

2. If you would like to use this opportunity to make a gift to the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony, you can do so online at CanadaHelps.org or by calling 250 412 1980.

The Federal Government Canada Heritage program may match your gift to the Foundation by up to 100%.

3. Continue enjoying wonderful music! In case you didn’t know, we have continued to bring music to the people through our virtual concert series. You can enjoy recently recorded concerts and see our musicians performing in some of our favourite venues. Visit our web site at www.victorisymphony.ca For more information contact Lorraine Tanner, Director of Development, Victoria Symphony. ph. 250 412 1980 email: Lorraine@victoriasymphony.ca

Christian Kluxen, Music Director

10 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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Second World War Veteran

Shares Story of Service, Loss of Limb

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It’s important to me that I pay tribute to my fellow veterans and all those who lost their lives

n Remembrance Day this year, many Canadians will be reflecting on the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Among those will be war amputee veteran Bob Gondek, of Toronto, who also carries a physical reminder of that pivotal time in history.

At the age of 96, Bob can still vividly recall serving alongside the Allied Forces with the 2nd Polish Corps during the Italian Campaign.

In 1944, he was based outside Loretto, Italy, when heavy gun fire broke out. “Without any order, I crawled up to them [the enemy] and threw a grenade,” says Bob. “I acted instinctively.” After a short period of silence, the enemy began firing mortars. “I remember an explosion and the smell of gunpowder,” he says. “I then realized that my weapon was gone and, in the place where my hand held the machine gun, there was nothing – I had lost part of my left arm below the elbow. I felt like I was dying because my

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whole life flashed before my eyes.”

Bob was awarded the Virtuti Militari, the Polish equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for his valour in destroying two enemy machine gun nests. He also received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restitua from Poland, the Cross of Valour, Merit Cross, Second Corps Army Medal and Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross.

In 1954, Bob immigrated to Canada where he became a member of The War Amps, an Association originally started by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to help each other adapt to their new reality as amputees.

For the last 50 years on Remembrance Day, he has laid a wreath to honour his comrades.

“I’m grateful that I have been able to take part in these ceremonies. It’s important to me that I pay tribute to my fellow veterans and all those who lost their lives” says Bob.

Second World War veteran Bob Gondek.

Make a lasting impact for amputees… with a charitable estate donation in your will. Together, we can improve the lives of all amputees, including traditional and modern-day veterans, adults and children. estatedonation@waramps.ca waramps.ca • 1 800 465-2677

All Kids Deserve to Play.

PISE is a nationally recognized leader in providing inclusive, developmentally appropriate programs for children. We are proud to now work with approximately 10,000 children each year throughout the south island region, bringing them heart pumping, bone building, sweaty and fun physical literacy enriched sessions at schools, recreation and community centres and at PISE. Our goal is for every child to LOVE being active so that they develop into happy, healthy and active adults.

ensure all children have opportunity to participate, including those in need. We do this by working in schools, providing free programming in the community and RŕľľHULQJ RXU 3/$< <RXU :D\ *UDQW IRU RXU summer camps and other programs. We have found that partnership and community LQYROYHPHQW LV NH\ WR PDNLQJ D GLŕľľHUHQFH We know that physical activity improves overall well-being, emotionally, physically and mentally. Now more than ever it is critical to provide opportunities for all kids.

Critical to this goal is working to

Dr. Richard S. Stanwick, Chief Medical

+HDOWK 2ŕľśFHU ,VODQG +HDOWK REVHUYHV Âł2I note, children from more disadvantaged or at-risk backgrounds do not have the same opportunities for physical activity and often live in environments that contribute to poor KHDOWK 7KH SURJUDPPLQJ E\ WKH 3DFLÂżF Institute for Sport Excellence [PISE], essentially a targeted universality approach, has the opportunity to address these inequity issues both from a socio-economic and physical disadvantage perspective.â&#x20AC;?

Learn more at pise.ca/gift-of-play.

See the future in 2020.

Donate today.

GIVE THE

GIFT OF pise.ca/gift-of-play Charity number - 85703 8327 RR0001

12 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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Meet Harper: How Jeneece Place provided hope to this Island family W

hen Island mom Miranda was pregnant with her second child, she knew in her gut that something was not right. Her suspicions were confirmed at Nanaimo General Hospital when she learned that she needed to be immediately sent to Victoria. Her little girl, Harper, would be arriving sooner than expected.

“At Victoria General, my partner Harreson and I learned Harper’s situation was serious. Harper had stopped moving. We were losing her,” remembers Miranda.

After an emergency c-section three months before her due date, Harper was born and weighed only 843 grams – about the size of a brick of butter. Doctors didn’t think she would survive for long.

After two weeks of recovering close to her daughter, Miranda was overjoyed to

learn that doctors saw improvement in Harper’s condition. There was a glimmer of hope.

Throughout her stay at Children’s Health Foundation’s home away from home, Jeneece Place staff became like family to Miranda. Having food and essentials readily available meant everything when she returned from the hospital each day, physically and emotionally exhausted.

And after more than three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Harper was given the green light - the family was able to go home.

Now a year and a half old, Harper requires ongoing monitoring of her development. When the family returns to Victoria for Harper’s specialist appointments, Jeneece Place is always there.

“There are so many families like mine that unexpectedly need support. Jeneece Place alleviates a huge burden for them during their greatest time of need. I will be forever grateful.”

This holiday season and always, your gift to Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island will make all the difference for Island kids like Harper and their families.

The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is currently building a second home away from home, in Campbell River. Q‘walayu House will open in Spring 2021 to support kids and families from remote northern communities of Vancouver Island and surrounding islands who must travel to North Island Hospital and the area for health care.

Photo by: KelseyLageri

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CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020 | 13

Christmas at Our Place

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One of the reasons that Our Place makes a special effort at Christmas is to offer people a hand up… and demonstrate that holidays don’t need to be something that one dreads.

When most of us think of Christmas, our minds transport us to the past, back when we were children and everything seemed so much simpler.

If we were lucky, Christmas meant presents, cake, laughter, family, and a meal that made even the skinniest aunt need to let out her waistband.

If we weren’t lucky, Christmas was a time to dread: absent parents, alcohol abuse that often turned physical, and jealousy of those kids who still believed in holiday magic.

Those unlucky kids often grew up to be unlucky adults with a knack for tripping over the flat ground and stumbling into the cracks.

One of the reasons that Our Place makes a special effort at Christmas is to offer people a hand up, to pull them out of those cracks and demonstrate that holidays don’t need to be something that one dreads.

We don’t need to do much. Sometimes simply offering a hot meal and a safe space will do, but with the community’s support we can do so much more.

Church groups, for example, rally to purchase 700 or more

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cheerily-wrapped gifts that are personalized for those we serve, who we call family members. Excitement grows as the day nears to hand them out, and one can see that wide-eyed child still living inside the broken adult.

Local businesses rally to support special breakfasts and lunches, and school children of every age donate hand-made crackers stuffed with leftover Halloween candy. Those same students often deliver special Christmas Day gifts that are filled with everyday essentials.

And, of course, our loyal donors, new and old, who make financial contributions to provide a Christmas Feast and all the little extras we try to do for the season.

Christmas is a time for us to be gentle and caring, but also to laugh and rejoice. And this Christmas, my first at Our Place, I am powerfully reminded of the original Christmas story – of people seeking shelter, kindness and hope. All things that we at Our Place try to give people every day of the year.

May you have many blessings this Christmas season.

– Julian Daly, Our Place CEO

14 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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KidSport Greater Victoria’s ongoing commitment to local families, So ALL Kids Can Play

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n a typical year, KidSport Greater Victoria raises and distributes sufficient funds to support up to 1400 local kids, so they can get off the sidelines and onto the playing fields of their choice. As we all know too well, 2020 has been anything but typical.

As so many individuals and organizations have done, KidSport too has had to adapt quickly to changing realities since Spring 2020. At first, that meant reaching children and families in need with help outside the work we’ve ever done before – including supporting local crisis-serving agencies to help reach Victoria’s most vulnerable at a time of unprecedented need, and ensuring local kids could access sports equipment so they could continue to move and play in

the absence of school activities and organized sport.

Now, we are at work helping local children and youth return safely to the fields, arenas, and gyms they’ve missed, at a time when fund raising has never been more difficult, and need among local families has never been higher.

We remain committed, for the long term, to ensuring ALL kids have opportunity to play. Through sport, children and youth gain resilience, confidence, leadership skills and physical literacy, and develop skills related to teamwork, fair play, work ethic, and much more. More important than ever is the normalcy and social connection organized sport can provide. All of the kids

reached through KidSport’s help are living in financial need; many KidSportsupported families are experiencing greater stress than ever.

As the largest KidSport chapter in the province, KidSport Greater Victoria has so far funded over 13,000 local children in need into sport, with over $3,000,000 in season-of-sport registration fees, and counting!

Could you, or someone you know, use financial help to get your kids back in the game? Please visit www.kidsportvictoria.ca for more information, or to apply for support.

In a position to donate or consider a fund raising event benefiting KidSport Greater Victoria? We would love to hear from you.

It’s been a challenging year.

Now more than ever, local kids need help to access the benefits of sport and physical activity.

2020 marked KidSport Greater Victoria’s 20th year of helping local kids off the sidelines and into the action.

KidSport extends a very warm thank you to the local community for helping us to continue to help kids despite a difficult and eventful year. Kids have never needed the normalcy, friendships and life lessons of sport more – and need among local families has never been greater.

To apply for help from KidSport, or to donate to support our work locally, please visit www.kidsportvictoria.ca (donations of $20+ are tax deductible)

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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Victoria Foundation Every Kid Ki is One Caring Adult Away from Being a Success Story! - Josh Shipp

What makes Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria so successful in changing lives? > O Our doors are always open,, Our no oone ne iiss tu turn rned ed aawa wayy turned away > We help youth who…

- Need a place to go after school - Live risky lifestyles - Live in poverty - Are facing jail time - Are homeless - May be teen parents - Have addiction or mental health issues > Our adult to youth ratios are low so we keep our personalized support and mentoring high > We build on each child’s strengths, developing capacity, character and capability, step by step > We feed our kids nutritious meals and snacks every day which is often the only healthy food they receive

Mostly it looks like fun.

Well, it is. What you don’t see (we plan it this way) is the intentional guidance & instruction that is part of every interaction, every activity, every program, every relationship – every day.

YOUR HELP SAVES LIVES YOUR LEGACY WILL… Help more than 1,200 children and youth every year: • Eat breakfast, healthy meals & snacks so they have a fighting chance to learn, grow and develop • Have a safe place to belong, learn new skills and build positive relationships • Overcome learning barriers so they will graduate from high school and thrive in the world • Discover their curiosity and spark their desire to learn

ALUMNI SAY...

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%

HELP NOW! Please join an exclusive group by giving a lasting gift of hope for the future through: • Your written will • Your insurance policy • Your gift of property

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SAVED THEIR LIFE

• An endowment fund in your family name

Imagine...the life you will change by leaving your legacy!

giving@bgcvic.org | 250.384.9133

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Your legacy can support those who sacrificed everything.

SUPPORT

REMEMBER

GIVE

The BC/Yukon Legion Foundation is the giving arm of the branches of the Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command.

All money donated supports veterans, their families, and communities we serve across British Columbia and the Yukon.

Find out more at www.legionbcyukon.ca/foundation 604.575.8840 info@legionbcyukon.ca

A

Veteran’s sacrifice does not end at the end of their service. Many Veterans face unique stresses as they readjust to civilian life. Trauma, PTSD, homelessness, addiction, disability, are just a few of these stresses, many of which are lifelong battles.

But, there’s hope, and your legacy can make a difference.

Here’s how one Veteran’s life was transformed with support from people like you.

“I was living a life of isolation and despair.

As I entered Cockrell House, I realized for the first time that I wasn’t alone. From the Veteran who found me, to the one who drove me to Cockrell House, I realized I had lifelong friends ready to drop everything to help. Today, my future is bright and the friends I made at Cockrell House are still by my side. We continue to help each other as best we can. Cockrell House and the people involved saved my life. Now, it’s my turn to help others.”

At the Legion Foundation, we see individual strength within Veterans even as they struggle. When they turn to us for support,

we are honoured to be there for them and their families. It is our duty to help those who dedicated their lives for our freedom. As they navigate a path to health, well-being, and recovery, Legion Foundation supports Veterans through: n Safe, transitional housing and social

services at Cockrell House for Veterans integrating back into society

n Specialized equipment, training, and re-

search for British Columbia’s hospitals and health care professionals

n Trauma counselling and PTSD service dogs

for Veterans

n Career transitioning services for Veterans

looking to learn new career skills and transition into the civilian workforce

With a legacy gift to the Legion Foundation, you can ensure the lasting support for those that leave never to return, and for those who return but are never the same. Donate now at legionbcyukon.ca/foundation.

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Patty Pitts’ story A legacy of friendship and impact

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close-knit group of friends deeply impacted by ovarian cancer has become the foundation for future innovations in cancer research and care.

Victoria resident, Patty Pitts was inspired to become a BC Cancer Foundation donor after the devastation of losing two close friends, Carol Lalonde and Marlene Palmer, to ovarian cancer.

Patty met Marlene in 1980 when they were both young reporters at CHEK TV and Carol around 2000. Her friendships with both women were special.

In 2015, Carol was diagnosed with ovarian cancer followed by Marlene in 2016. The friends faced the disease together.

“Some days Carol and Marlene had chemo treatment together and joked about being chemo buddies,” says Patty. “It helped them to be able to share their feelings and support each other.”

Sadly, Marlene passed away in 2017, and shortly after, Carol in 2018.

Her experience with her dear friends inspired Patty to help change the outcome for other women, like Carol and Marlene, facing the disease.

“I was so moved by how hard these two women fought,” says Patty of her friends.

“I know my gift will make an impact by enabling clinicians and scientists to make further strides in understanding ovarian cancer, saving more lives.”

Driven by the passion to honour her friends, Patty helped establish The Carol Lalonde/Marlene Palmer Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, which is driving innovation at BC Cancer to bring new hope to British Columbians facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

In addition, Patty has designated a gift to the BC Cancer Foundation in her will.

“We all want to remember the people and causes we care about in our wills,” says Patty. “For me, the decision came as a way to honour my friends, and do my part to improve research and care for my loved ones and family members in the future who may

have to navigate a similar diagnosis.”

“

We can change the outcome for women, for generations to come

”

This year, over 5,500 British Columbians will be diagnosed with a women’s cancer, including an estimated 1,055 residents of Vancouver Island. Among gynecologic cancers, ovarian cancer is the deadliest and is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in women in Canada.

However, BC Cancer experts, fueled by our generous donor community, are changing the outcome for patients facing these cancers.

BC Cancer initiatives like the Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OVCARE) are leading the world in terms of better understanding the disease and developing treatments based on precision medicine. In fact, in the past 18 years, the OVCARE program has fundamentally changed the global understanding of gynecologic cancers.

The OVCARE team, led by BC Cancer Drs. David Huntsman and Dianne Miller believe that most types of ovarian cancer share a crucial feature, they are potentially preventable. Their goals are ambitious but donors like Patty help drive progress.

“Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to reducing death and suffering from gynecologic cancers by 50%,” says Dr. Huntsman.

“To accomplish this, we must rapidly translate our discoveries to make them available for all women across B.C.” Through the generosity of the community, BC can change the story for patients on the Island and beyond. Including a gift in your will is one way to transform the future of cancer care, the future that researchers like Dr. Huntsman are already working towards.

To find out more about planned giving at the BC Cancer Foundation, contact the Foundation at legacy@bccancer.bc.ca.

18 |CAPitAL giving | 29 nOveMBer 2020

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It Takes a Community

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ecently we’ve all been made more aware of the importance of health care, along with the facilities and services we have available in our communities.

We thought that this was a good time to acknowledge a few individuals on the Saanich Peninsula who fought to get a community hospital, fought to keep it and then supported it with extraordinary planned gifts.

The Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation was created in 1985, and one of its founding Board Members was Wally Spence. Wally and his wife Betty retired to the Saanich Peninsula and really understood the value of having hospital services close to home. Both of them contributed thousands of volunteer hours, Wally on the Board of the Foundation, and Betty as a much-loved volunteer in the hospital. After Wally’s passing, Betty made very generous gifts annually and became a fixture as a volunteer in Medical

“

All of these generous donors lived modestly, had modest success and made the decision late in life to invest in a community asset that has an impact on all of our lives.

Imaging. What we didn’t know until Betty passed away was that the two of them decided to support their hospital well into the future with a seven-figure bequest.

Long-time annual donor Dora Darling was a resident of Galiano Island who came to Sidney to do her banking and shopping. She regularly told us, “If I have to go into hospital, I want it to be the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.” She wanted to acknowledge the compassionate and expert care she received (including the time an ER nurse cared for Dora’s dog, when Dora broke her hip in Sidney and had no one else to take him while she waited for surgery). She decided that, rather than make a bequest, she would make a significant donation of shares before she passed away.

Both of Enid Blakeney’s parents and her husband Art spent their last years in the Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s

”

Long-term Care Unit. As a loving daughter and spouse, she spent a lot of time “exploring” at SPH, growing to love it too.

When a multi-faith Chapel was proposed, Enid decided to help. Enid took out a life insurance policy for $500,000, which covered half the cost of construction.

All of these generous donors lived modestly, had modest success and made the decision late in life to invest in a community asset that has an impact on all of our lives. The Foundation would like to express its gratitude to these individuals, and to so many other residents of the Saanich Peninsula, who had the vision to see that it does indeed take a community to care for each other.

– Karen Morgan President, Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

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Power To Be, Connecting to Nature and Community in New Ways

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“… Power To Be means feeling at home and the virtual programs have given me something to look forward to every week.”

P

ower To Be creates new opportunities for our community to access nature.

Our adaptive programs focus on providing empowering and inspiring experiences for youth, families and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial, and social barriers to ensure that everyone is included in the adventure.

This year, more than ever, we are grateful for connections we’ve sparked, built, and nourished. Through Power To Be’s inclusive programs we were able to keep participants connected to nature and to our community. With health and safety at the forefront of every adventure, we explored creative avenues for our program delivery which allowed us to meet the needs of each group and continue to pursue our mission and vision.

In addition to hosting in-person programs for small groups and household bubbles, we have started offering virtual programs. Our typical in-person programs provide outdoors experiences such as hiking, paddle boarding, and snowshoeing, and a significant benefit of them are the relationships and sense of community that are built.

”

The virtual programs allow a space for these connections to still happen. During these group check ins, participants can learn new activities, skills, and resources to utilize in the outdoors all while having a chance to get together, share, and laugh. The virtual setting has also increased accessibility, and allowed us to extend our reach and elevate our impact. Adam, a Power To Be participant, has been attending our virtual programs on a weekly basis and says it has made a big difference during these times when social interaction has been limited.

“For me, being a part of Power To Be means feeling at home and the virtual programs have given me something to look forward to every week. It’s been really cool to connect in such an accepting space with others who are feeling the same way.”

As we transition into the holiday season, Power To Be has launched a #SeasonOfGratitude campaign to show how grateful we are to you, our supporters, and our community. Join us as we share activities for you and your family to enjoy in nature and at home. Visit powertobe.ca/ gratitude today to learn more.

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One house at a time: Homes help build communities

BUILD A LEGACY AND HELP TRANSFORM LIVES

S

ecure your legacy by bequeathing a gift that has the power to transform the lives of local families. In a region where access to affordable housing is in crisis, Habitat for Humanity Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique equity solution is bringing our community together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.

Since building its first home in 1999, with the support of donors like you, this local charity has helped 27 Greater Victoria families realize their dream of affordable homeownership and is poised to help 12 more families in the coming months. Current projects include a single-family home in Central Saanich and a 10-home multi-family project in North Saanich.

Families qualify for the program based on several key criteria: they are living in need of affordable housing; their household income is under the Housing Income Limits set by BC Housing, but still sufficient to meet the responsibilities of homeownership; and they are willing to partner with Habitat by contributing 500 hours of volunteer service with the charity.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria plays a multi-faceted role in creating these housing opportunities. It acquires the land, oversees construction by arranging the skilled trades and volunteers, and secures donations of materials from suppliers to build modest family homes. It also acts as a major lender.

Habitat homes are sold to qualified families at their market value through mortgage terms that make the purchase affordable.

No down payment is required if the family does not have the resources to make one, and their total mortgage payments will not exceed 30 per cent of their gross income.

Habitat helps families qualify for a mortgage with a traditional lender (at market interest rates) for up to 30% of the purchase amount, and then Habitat offers an interest-free mortgage loan to finance the rest.

Habitat for Humanity provides a powerful pay-it-forward model, where donations to the charity resonate for many years to come, transforming lives and enabling families to lay the foundation for a brighter future. Affordable housing is an important foundation for reducing poverty and achieving economic growth. Habitat families experience better health, educational and economic outcomes.

A legacy gift in your will is a simple way to help Habitat for Humanity Victoria support more families on their journey in building strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. You can leave cash, real estate, or securities. Leaving a legacy gift is the most efficient way to significantly contribute to a charity and ease the burden of your future estate.

You can achieve your financial and philanthropic goals at any stage of your life, with a recurring gift of hope. You can choose to contribute monthly or at other designated regular intervals, and no donation is too small.

For more information, or to make a donation, e-mail giving@habitatvictoria, call 250-480-7688 ext. 103, or go to habitatvictoria.com

Consider giving a lasting gift to help local families build a strong foundation for a brighter future.

For more information, contact giving@habitatvictoria.com 250.480.7688 ext.103 habitatvictoria.com

22 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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How Victoria’s Piercy Respite Hotel helps seniors in need And how a local man helped by the Hotel is giving back using a newfound skill

F

or 30 years, Al Pearce worked as a social worker, helping those who found themselves in difficult life circumstances. In 2018, however, his life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, which came on rapidly following surgery for an unrelated condition. Suddenly he was the one who needed help, with his wife Pat thrust into the role of full-time caregiver.

The abrupt transition was not an easy one. For Al, simple things like expressing his thoughts and emotions became a frustrating challenge, while Pat struggled to maintain her own health and wellness amid providing around-the-clock care.

“It was devastating,” Pat says, “I wondered how we could do this. His life had completely changed, and with that mine too. I sunk into a pit of guilt and despair – guilt whenever I thought of myself or crumbled under the stress.”

Al and Pat’s experience is one shared by an ever-growing number of local families. As dementia rates continue to rise, the burden of care falls to families – the spouses, daughters, and sons of those afflicted. For spouses like Pat, now in her 70s, there is the risk of neglecting their own health and well-being in order to keep up with the demands of care, and many caregivers end up suffering from depression and burnout due to the constant stress of the needs placed upon them.

Fortunately, Pat realized early on that, to provide care to her husband, she needed to look after her own health too.

She found support through her dragon boat team, her choir, and caregiver support groups. She also found the Piercy Respite Hotel.

Located in Victoria’s Hillside Seniors Centre, the Piercy Respite Hotel makes life easier for up to 50 families every month by providing a ‘vacation’ for local seniors in need of 24-hour care and giving family caregivers a much-needed break. While care is provided by Island Health nurses and care aids, the hotel was initially created thanks to a generous donation made to Eldercare Foundation. Donations to Eldercare continue to provide funding for home-like furnishings, comfort items (like cozy bed covers), therapy equipment (including special pads that help protect residents with a high fall risk from hip fractures) at the hotel, as well as activities (like baking and Music Therapy) for the guests.

Says Pat, “In order to look after my husband long-term, the Piercy provides the breaks I desperately need. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to afford respite care, and my own health would be at risk. It’s truly a lifeline to me, and it’s just so welcoming for him – Al says it’s like a second family.

I can leave him there knowing that he’ll be safe and well taken care of, which allows me to relax and refuel.”

Thanks to the support they receive from the Piercy, Al and Pat have been able to continue living together in their own home, and enjoy a good quality of life together. It isn’t always easy – the onset of COVID-19 and the temporary shut down of the Hotel were particularly hard on them – but having Al at home has allowed him the opportunity to learn new skills, and find new ways to help others in the process.

Soon after the start of the pandemic (perhaps in response to the bleak outlook he saw on the nightly newscasts) Al

began making art. He’d never shown much interest in artistic endeavours throughout his life, but almost overnight he began filling the Pearce living room with vividly coloured pages, often featuring inspirational phrases, that instantly raised the spirits of passersby.

Word of Al’s captivating creations spread quickly through his neighbourhood, and it wasn’t long before CTV showcased his prolific and growing portfolio on the Sawatsky Sign-Off. “It was a release,” Al explained. “This is a medium for me to be able to express myself.”

It was also a way for Al to rediscover himself. Noticing the excitement generated by his art, Al realized it might be yet another opportunity to help others, and donated his favourite pieces to Eldercare Foundation to raise funds for the Piercy Respite Hotel and other seniors who might need the care that he and Pat have enjoyed.

While seniors with dementia are often disregarded for the many things they can no longer do, Al’s art stands as a bright and cheerful reminder that they are still vibrant people, capable of learning and creativity…and with a little support from services like the Piercy Respite Hotel…can continue a lifelong passion for helping others in need.

Calendars featuring Al’s art are on sale now at www.gvef.org/AlsArt, and at Heirloom Linens in the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre

SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR All of us in Greater Victoria have elderly neighbours, or long-term care residents living nearby, but never before have they been more isolated and lonely, cut off from family, friends, and vital support services amid the global pandemic.

A simple paragraph in your will is all it would take to create a legacy of enhancing care and quality of life for local elders in need.

Please consider planning your future gift to the Eldercare Foundation today.

Please Help Create Your Legacy Today.

“I can’t wait for the day when I don’t have to miss you anymore.”

www.gvef.org • 250-370-5664 • 1454 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7 Registered Charity #898816095RR0001

24 |CAPitAL giving | 29 nOveMBer 2020

G

rief can be the loneliest feeling at any time of year. But in a global pandemic, with holidays approaching, grief can be even lonelier.

Support for people in grief is central to the work of Victoria Hospice, and it has been since the organization was founded 40 years ago. Thanks to generous community support, Victoria Hospice helps people understand grief and adjust to loss.

Over the course of this challenging year, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our bereavement services.

We know this means people are struggling more with grief and in different ways right now.

We have lost more than 10,000 people to COVID-19 in Canada. Many of these people died alone, as have thousands of others who have died of other causes while in hospital during the pandemic. Everyone who has died during the pandemic leaves behind friends and family who have had to grieve alone, unable to join together with others to honour their loved ones and hold each other in grief.

The disruption of 2020 has highlighted the need for extending ourselves to others despite the pandemic.

“Kindness and connection are what’s needed most by people who have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience grief,” says Victoria Hospice CEO, Kevin Harter.

“That’s every single one of us.”

Grief has a timing of its own. Feelings of grief can return or increase, even years after a death, and you may feel surprised or concerned when that happens. The experience of heightened feelings at particular times of the year – like the holiday season – is a common and normal aspect of the grieving process. Grief can recede and reappear when we least expect it. You may be enjoying yourself one moment, and in

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tears the next. This natural ebb and flow is part of learning to live with loss and grief.

As the season approaches, it can be helpful to share concerns, feelings, and apprehensions with someone. Let those around you know what you find difficult and accept offers of help. Here are some tips to remember this upcoming holiday season: n Make plans that can be changed. n Remind yourself that it’s okay to laugh as well as cry. n Look for ways to honour the person who died. Light a

special candle; include the person in your thoughts, prayers or meditation; make a memorial planting in a garden; create a memorial space online or a scrapbook with photos and mementos.

n Talk with other bereaved people, or with friends and family

members who’ve experienced losses, to find out how they get through these special days and holidays.

n Continue traditions that you enjoy and give yourself

permission to leave out those that you don’t.

n Remember you can always do things differently next year.

Join Victoria Hospice’s virtual gathering of memories and reflections on our Celebrate a Life web page. You can read stories of love and remembrance there and dedicate a star in memory of your loved one.

Visit www.victoriahospice.org/celebrate

Victoria Hospice offers professional bereavement counselling and online support groups that are open to everyone; no prior connection to Victoria Hospice is required. These services are located at our Community Support Centre at 102-4450 Chatterton Way. Most of these services are free thanks to our generous donors.

To learn more about Victoria Hospice Bereavement Services, call 250-519-3040 or visit www.victoriahospice.org.

Register Today for a Free Online Workshop: How to Cope with the Holidays When You Are Grieving Are you concerned about getting through the upcoming holiday season? Participate in Victoria Hospice’s free workshop to learn tips and develop practical strategies for dealing with grief during the holidays. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns.

Date: Thursday, December 17th Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm Format: This is an online workshop using the Zoom video platform. Instructions to participate on Zoom will be given with registration.

Registration: You must register as space is limited.

To register go to www.victoriahospice.org/events or call 250-519-3040 Cost: There is no charge for this workshop, but donations are gratefully accepted.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY @OOHOOHDARLING

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“Bringing people together was his superpower, whether it was a party at the house or a BBQ or creating an event or making the party last even Ǥ ơ ƪ Ǥdz — Javas Sekhon, here with family friends Tarj Mann (L) and Moe Sihota (R), remembers his father, Paul Sekhon. (More community stories at VictoriaHospice.org/Celebrate)

Celebrate your loved one by dedicating a star at VictoriaHospice.org/Celebrate You can also fill out the form below and mail it to Victoria Hospice.

We will be honoured to add your star to the tree at the Victoria Hospice Community Support Centre.

Thank you for your support of end-of-life care.

Celebrate a Life

My star is in memory of (full name). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My message (print clearly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MY D DONATION ONAT ON ATIO ION N

Here is my gift of $35 $60 $125 $1,000 Other $ . . . . . . . . . .

I prefer to make my gift by Cheque (made payable to Victoria Hospice)

.....................................................................

Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Visa MasterCard Credit Card number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expiry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CVV . . . . . . .

Please complete this form and mail to Victoria Hospice 4th Floor, Richmond Pavilion 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 You can contact us at 250-519-1744.

SPECIAL THANKS

Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

An official receipt for income tax purposes will be issued.

Charitable Reg. No. 11928-4230-RR0001.

We respect your privacy and do not sell, trade, lend or rent any of your personal information.

26 |CAPitAL giving | 29 nOveMBer 2020

A life-changing event

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F

iona was 40 years old when she received the diagnosis that would forever change her life. Spinal arthritis, a progressive disease that can cause paralysis to one side of the body, known as Hemiplegia, meant she could no longer stand or walk without supportive devices. This permanent disability eventually put an end to her career as a high school teacher overseas, and without an income, it wasn’t long before she was in danger of becoming homeless.

Growing up in a military family, Fiona attended schools all over the world, including elementary school in Singapore. In her early 20s she came to Canada, from England, where she was born, and earned a degree in Education at UBC. After graduating, she began her career as a high school teacher and within a few years, was promoted to head of the teaching department where she taught history, English, geography, civics and religion.

Being an educator was an incredibly rewarding career for Fiona. She was inspired everyday by her students’ eagerness to learn, making her years as a teacher some of the happiest of her life.

While reaching up to open a cupboard one day, Fiona lost control of her muscles and fell to the ground. She was unable to move her limbs on one side of her body, and after numerous tests and doctor appointments, it was confirmed that she had arthritis of the spine causing Hemiplegia and this condition would be permanent.

Fiona was at a loss for how to cope with such a devastating life change but was determined not to let the disability take over completely.

She continued to teach, hiding the severity of her illness from her students and others. Fiona managed for a time and recalls leaning against a wall or desk while teaching so she wouldn’t fall over. But coping with the illness and trying to hide it took a toll on her mental health as well. Eventually, she had to give up the job she loved so much.

While Fiona had experienced depression in the past, her debilitating illness and the loss of her career was more than she could handle.

“I completely lost my sense of self. I was not a teacher anymore. I was not able to walk properly anymore. Who was I?” Without an income to support herself, it didn’t take long before her savings ran out and she could no longer afford to pay rent.

With nowhere else to go, she landed at Cool Aid’s Next Steps transitional shelter, and while there, the shelter staff helped her apply for disability benefits and find permanent housing. This was one of the most difficult times of Fiona’s life, but the caring staff at Cool Aid helped her get through it.

Fiona’s health condition continued to deteriorate and she had seen a number of doctors in search of someone who could treat her condition, both physically and mentally. It wasn’t until she was referred to Cool Aid’s Community Health Centre that she found Cool Aid physician, Dr. Fraser Black, who was able to treat her with the care she needed. She was also referred to the Health Centre’s resident counsellor who helped address her depression and come to terms with losing her career. Fiona now has all her health care needs met through Cool Aid including group therapy, primary health care and dental care.

She’s thankful to the staff at the Community Health Centre for putting her needs first.

“Cool Aid has been amazing. I can’t be sure that I would still be here if it wasn’t for the counselling and health care I got at the Community Health Centre.”

Now that Fiona is getting the care and support she needs, she likes to keep busy. She is a Volunteer Disability Advocate assisting people with disabilities and she also volunteers for Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue where she fosters cats in palliative care.

When she’s not busy helping others, Fiona does many crafts including needlepoint and making adorable clay animals that she gives away as gifts–mostly to the staff at the Community Health Centre!

If Fiona could have one wish? “I would love to have a job. An office job doing administration would be wonderful if it could accommodate my mobility issues.”

While Fiona is living with uncertainty about the progression of her illness, she is confident that Cool Aid will be there to help her every step of the way.

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Cool Aid is Building for the Long Term You can help with a gift in your will Cool Aid provides housing, healthcare and support services for 12,000 people in Greater Victoria experiencing homelessness and living in poverty.

WE PROVIDE recreation and training activities at the Downtown Community Centre, employment opportunities, and help 7,000 locals each year with support services.

WE PROVIDE housing and support for over 700 people, most of whom were previously homeless, and we are building 228 new affordable apartments for the community.

Cool Aid responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with a new Health Outreach Team that provides medical and health care for hundreds of our neighbours at temporary housing sites and large encampments.

CoolAid.org/bequest â&#x20AC;˘ 250.414.4799 â&#x20AC;˘ langelini@CoolAid.org

28 |CAPITAL GIVING | 29 NOVEMBER 2020

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Rooted in Generosity: Lynne’s Story of Giving Back After disaster struck the village in 1966—a pile of coal waste on a mountain slope collapsed, killing 116 children and 28 adults—Lynne’s two aunts, May and Olga Davis, enrolled in a London training hospital for nurses. Upon graduation, they returned to south Wales to work at Merthyr Tydfil Hospital. When Aunt May died, she left £1 million to the training hospital. “Aunt May always wanted to help and I knew her thinking: let’s help the nurses with their training and expenses.”

Giving to our local hospitals is an effective way to make a difference in people’s lives.

–Lynne Thomas, on why she included VHF in her will

A Welsh Childhood Lynne Thomas, 71, grew up in a small farming community in the south Wales coal mining valleys near Merthyr Tydfil. She recalls the bright, rich green hills and the tenor-bass voices of the men’s choirs.

A New Start in Canada At 25, Lynne left Wales for Merritt, BC and later moved to Vancouver where she would eventually become the Registrar for the Vancouver Museum and meet the man who would become her husband, John Henderson. After John retired from working in the St. Paul’s Hospital Provincial Renal Program in 2005, Lynne and John left Vancouver for Victoria.

Planning for the Future In 2017, Lynne had hip replacement surgery at Royal Jubilee Hospital. “My surgeon Dr. Stephen Burnett was terrific. He’s the bee’s knees. The care I received was extraordinary. I am so thankful.”

Lynne remembers when she and John first talked about their legacy. “We didn’t have a will,” recalls Lynne. So they discussed their core values and what inspired them in life. “We knew we

wanted to support charities in health care.”

“I said—why don’t we give to our local hospitals through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation?” Lynne says, recalling the decision. “It’s an effective way to make a difference in people’s lives—when they’re at their most vulnerable.”

For Lynne, it all comes back to the green hills of her childhood. To a generosity that binds a tight-knit village. Her motivation to give is about family and place. It’s also a legacy that will help everyone on Vancouver Island, no matter their circumstances.

“I owe my deep sense of social conscience from the Welsh valleys and my Aunt May,” says Lynne. “Not everyone is wealthy and not everyone has the opportunities we have. Aunt May was my role model and inspired me to give back to my community through our local hospitals.”

How You Can Help Our Hospitals Inspired by Lynne’s story? Donating to our hospitals in your will, including a gift of annuities or real estate, is one of the greatest acts of generosity you can make. No great wealth is required to give, just the willingness to plan.

For more information, you or your financial adviser can talk to our Manager of Leadership & Legacy Giving Beth Cairns by email vhf@viha.ca or by phone at 250-519-1750. Or, visit our site to learn more: victoriahf.ca/will-and-estates

Support Our Hospitals in Your Will Donating to our hospitals in your will, including a gift of annuities or real estate, is one of the greatest acts of generosity you can make. No great wealth is required to give, just the willingness to plan.

For more information, you or your financial advisor can talk to our Manager of Leadership & Legacy Giving, Beth Cairns, today: 250-519-1750 | vhf@viha.ca victoriahf.ca/will-and-estates Royal Jubilee Hospital