SP-Planned Giving_May 4

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

REMEMBERING WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”

Winston Churchill

We play many roles during our lifetime and accomplish many things. What truly matters are the things that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.

What footprint would you like to leave?

Consider how you would like to be remembered. Consider what is truly meaningful for you. Consider leaving a legacy.

Leaving a gift in your will to your favourite charities is a particularly personal way to make a lasting difference to causes that are meaningful to you.

Legacy gifts enable you to project your love and generosity into the future. Making a legacy gift is easy to do and makes a difference in the lives that follow.

Saskatchewan North Chapter

Join CAGP NorthSask Chapter for the annual Leave a Legacy™ Luncheon

Legacy Giving: Sharing My Story Luncheon presenting sponsor: DCG Philanthropic Services Inc.

Thursday May 9th, 2019 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm (doors open at 11:30am) Saskatoon Prairieland Park, Hall A Tickets: CAGP members: $25 each, $200/table of 8 Non-Members: $35 each, $280/table of 8

Tickets available online: https://bit.ly/2Fo7o4j For more info, contact: Fred Matiko at 306-242-0200 or fmatiko@stars.ca

H1

H2

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

PLANNED GIVING s p o n s o r e d by l e av e a l e g a cy ™ s a s k at o o n

Legacy gift to RUH an expression of gratitude When Peggy Benko took her identical twin granddaughters into her arms for the first time, she was overcome not only with love, but also with gratitude. Meeting her grandchildren would not have happened were it not for the specialists and medical teams at Royal University Hospital.

“I’m grateful to RUH every day because I’m able to hold these little peanuts,” Peggy says. “Sitting in the hospital with the [then newborn] twins, I thought, ‘What happened to me could happen to someone else but end very differently. They might never get to see their grandkids.’”

On January 7, 2015, Peggy was at work in her Regina law office when she suffered a stroke from an aneurysm in her brain. She was rushed to a Regina hospital then flown by STARS to Royal University Hospital and the waiting provincial stroke team, who saved her life.

That team (Peggy calls them “my angels”) and the other staff at RUH who touched Peggy’s life during her time there are now sharing her many celebrations.

She makes sure they get regular updates, including pictures of her granddaughters.

Not only did Peggy get to see her grandkids turn two

Peggy’s twin granddaughters celebrated their second birthday in February – something she is so happy to have been a part of. s U p p L i e d

Peggy Benko is so thankful she survived to see those important family milestones like the day her son, Christian, graduated from the University of Regina. s U p p L i e d

in February but recently her son Christian graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Certificate in Economics. Her son William is a pe-

troleum engineer in Calgary and is doing very well. Peggy could not be more thankful for and proud of her family.

“Since my aneurysm four years ago, I’ve been given the opportunity to be there for it

all . . . thanks to “my angels!”

Peggy says that every time something great happens now, she is reminded of the critical role RUH’s medical teams, the advanced equipment and the technology

have played in her life. For that reason, she has decided to include the Royal University Hospital Foundation in her Will. She consulted her husband, Kelvin, as well as her children about the decision. Her entire family supports her choice.

“Everyone understands what a fantastic thing happened, that I survived the way I did – and that wouldn’t have happened without

Royal University Hospital.”

Peggy says that while she continues to donate regularly, leaving a bequest to RUH Foundation through her Will is a way in which she can continue to give life to others after she’s gone. In her heartwarming words, “If I can in a tiny way help so some other person will be able to see their grandchildren someday, there’s nothing greater than that.”

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY ROYAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

Gift of health today leads to gifts of health for tomorrow

by T om ErEmondi Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation

A couple who runs their own real estate business. A retired nurse. Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation’s CEO. What do they have in common?

They or their loved ones received great care at Saskatoon City Hospital. Each then decided to ensure the care they experienced would continue for years, even generations.

When Steve and Cindy Shannon’s son, Billy, was three, he was diagnosed with amblyopia, or lazy eye. He was referred to the Eye Care Centre, where surgery and patching corrected that problem. “Today, he’s a fine young man,” Steve Shannon says, “and has been driving for almost a year.”

Randy and Sherri Singler are owners of Coldwell Banker Signature. Their gift was made because Randy experienced a broken leg when he was 25. “My family doctor sent me to emergency at City Hospital where they discovered a blood clot in my leg moving towards my heart,” he recalls. “If I had waited longer, I could have died. The doctor and hospital saved my life.”

Valerie Stacey trained at Saskatoon City Hospital’s School of Nursing and enjoyed a long career as a nurse. Her connection with care runs deeper. “I’ve had malignant melanoma twice and breast cancer.

I had surgery five years ago but was blessed because I didn’t need chemo or radiation.”

This great care is why the Singlers, the Shannons, and Valerie decided to act today while thinking of tomorrow.

T he Singlers purchased a $50,000 life insurance policy naming the Foundation as both owner and beneficiary. “I realized it was a great way to give back,” says Randy.

The Shannons also chose life insurance. “A planned gift allowed us to give more than we ever thought

Randy Singler

Sherri Singler

supporter and friend to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and a way for us to keep in touch.”

She says donors who’ve pledged gifts in their Wills will be listed on a designated planned giving panel on the Foundation’s donor wall, with names moved to the main wall when the gift is fulfilled. They’ll also receive extras such as personalized thanks, public recognition, and invitations to special SCHF Legacy Society or Foundation events.

“We think the latter is especially significant,” Boyle says. “Donors

may find it interesting and enriching to meet other donors, while learning about past and future plans for the hospital and Foundation.”

SCHF encourages bequests that fulfill your giving wishes and intentions, after all this is a part of your legacy. This is why SCHF also encourages donors to seek professional advice when preparing their Will and considering bequest options.

To learn more, call Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation at 306-6558489 or visit the webpage at bit.ly/ SCHFlegacy.

Conserve Natural Areas for Future Generations Conserve the ecological, historical and cultural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley as a gift for YOUR future generations.

Steve Shannon

Valerie Stacey

Randy and Sherri Singler are realtors and business owners who’ve designated a life insurance policy to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.

Foundation CEO Steve Shannon (inset) and his wife, Cindy, have done the same while retired nurse Valerie Stacey (inset) is leaving a bequest. All three are doing so because they received terrific care at the hospital and want to ensure that care is there for future generations.

possible,” Steve says. “We’re happy it will be used wherever it’s needed at the time.”

Valerie Stacey changed her Will to include the Foundation, specifically the Breast Health Centre. “The health care aspect of my life was very important to me. I thought I should do what I could for health care.”

“There are many options for people who want to leave gifts in their Will or legacy gifts,” says Tracy Boyle, director of Major and Planned Gifts with Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation (SCHF).

Boyle says legacy giving is low cost and flexible. “We recognize that every person, couple or family is different and so too are their situations and experiences. Gifts can honour people and memories while serving to enhance care in future years.”

She notes “donors can opt to enjoy recognition opportunities today for their future gift. It’s with this in mind that we created the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Legacy Society. Donors who support the Foundation in their estate plans are invited to join the society. It’s our way of thanking them for being a valued

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY SASKATOON CITY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES. THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION.

Benches, trees and bricks can be dedicated to celebrate milestones or remember loved ones.

For more information on how to leave your legacy with Meewasin donation programs, call 306-665-6887 or email donations@meewasin.com

meewasin.com

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

PLANNED GIVING

H3

s p o n s o r e d by l e av e a l e g a cy ™ s a s k at o o n

What story will your legacy tell about you?

by JEanniE armsTrong

We all have a finite amount of time on this earth. What lives on from one generation to the next is your legacy – your personal story.

Through planned giving, your story can continue to be told, even after you’re gone.

You can continue to help those you care about and brighten the future of others in the community.

“Sharing My Story” is the theme of the 2019 Leave A Legacy™ Luncheon taking place Thursday, May 9 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Saskatoon Prairieland Park.

During this year’s luncheon, donors from different walks of life will relate their personal stories of philanthropy, their motivations for establishing legacy gifts and the impact they hope these gifts will achieve.

“Sharing stories is the best way to inspire other people to think about how they can give back,” says Trina Mortson, the chair of this year’s Leave A Legacy™ committee.

“Usually, a gift left in a Will is the most significant way that the average person can make an impact after they’re gone. Most of us don’t have the money to make big gifts during our lifetime, but including a gift in your Will is the way that most people can make a gift of lasting significance.”

Mortson adds that there will be a dual focus at this year’s luncheon. “We’ll have living donors tell their stories, but we’ll also have impact stories about those who have passed but continue to impact the lives of others through their

Leaving a legacy starts with a plan and setting philanthropic goals. It’s also important to converse with your family members about the charities you wish to support with planned gifts in your Will. p H o t o : G e t t y i m aG e s

legacy gifts.”

A common misconception is that a person has to be wealthy in order to leave a legacy. “That’s not what ‘legacy’ means. Leaving a legacy means that your passion for your chosen charity will live on after you’re gone. You’ll help ensure that your favourite charity has the resources to continue doing the good work that they’re doing,” says Mortson.

Even a modest legacy gift can have a big impact on your community. Leave A Legacy™ committee member Jen Pederson explains, “Philanthropy means love of humankind – it’s not the size of the gift that makes someone a philanthropist. To my mind, the greatest impact comes from gifts that inspire others to give, too. A

planned gift is of course eventually monetary, but it’s also a gift of thought, of care, and of inspiration. In this way, planned giving donors give more than once and their gift lives on even after they’re gone.

That is a beautiful thing.”

When establishing Wills and estate plans, some people may feel they have to choose between their children and the charities they wish to support.

“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Mortson. “You can look after your children and your favourite charity in your Will. For example, a gift of life insurance can be directed to a charity. You can leave a percentage of your estate or a residual gift to a charity, while still providing for your children. You can do both.”

There are also tax advantages that can be realized by designating a planned gift in your Will. “Making a planned gift to a charity communicates to your loved ones your wishes with respect to your estate.

Working with a financial advisor, there may be an opportunity to support one’s community while at the same time minimizing the amount of taxes paid by the estate,” says Candace Boersma, a Leave A Legacy™ committee member.

Leaving a legacy starts with a plan and setting goals, says former committee chair Bev Cooper, a Leave A Legacy™ and CAGP member. “Planned giving is about inspiring individuals to consider a charitable estate plan that fits their philanthropic goals.”

For many people, deciding on which charity to support through a legacy gift can be very easy. “It’s usually something that has touched their lives or the life of a family member, possibly the care they received during an illness or the impact that education has had upon their lives. Because they know how it feels to have benefitted from the services of a certain charity, they feel inclined to give back and make a difference in other people’s lives,” says Mortson.

Leave A Legacy™ committee member Richard Kies and one of the speakers at the upcoming luncheon says that the support charities receive through planned gifts is vital.

“Planned giving gives charities additional resources to carry out their good work. No matter the size, these gifts have a huge impact and are a way for donors to create a lasting legacy for the causes near and dear to their hearts.”

One of the first steps is to reach out to the charity you’re interested in supporting through a planned gift, says Mortson. “Most charities will be able to give you information about the ways that you can give that will make the most impact. There may be certain requirements in terms of what kind of gifts they can take and what they can’t.

“Talking to your professional advisor is also important.

That would include either an estate lawyer or a financial advisor. They are the most knowledgeable about what your current financial situation is and what will benefit you now and in the future.”

It’s also important to con-

Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longestlasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.”

- Steve Saint

verse with your family members about the charities you wish to support. “You want to let them know how much this charity means to you and how important it is to you to make an impact in other people’s lives,” she adds.

“Over the next 10 to 20 years as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, we are going to see the largest wealth transfer in history. The Leave A Legacy™ Luncheon is an opportunity for people to really think about establishing these types of gifts so that this wealth transfer will help as many people as possible, including their children,” says Mortson.

Tickets for the LEAVE A LEGACY™ Saskatoon Luncheon are available online at https://bit.ly/2Fo7o4j, or can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $25 each for CAGP members; $35 each for the public.

For more information, email trina.mortson@usask.ca.

YOUR HOSPITALS. YOUR LEGACY. Saskatoon’s three hospitals share a long legacy of care. It’s a legacy made possible by your parents, grandparents, great grandparents ... and you.

Legacy gifts fund vital hospital equipment, facilities, programs, education and research. They put advanced equipment in the hands of medical professionals and hope in the hearts of people depending on hospitals for life-saving care.

There are many ways to leave a legacy. Remember Saskatoon’s hospitals in your will. Make them a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Establish a charitable annuity or make a gift by transferring shares.

Legacy planning can have tax benefits. Talk to your financial advisor.

To make a legacy gift, or for more information, contact one of our hospital foundations.

Great Past. Greater Future.

For 65 years, Royal University Hospital has served the people of Saskatchewan and, with the continued support from you our donors, will continue this legacy as the provincial acute care, teaching and research intensive hospital recognized for life-saving trauma, emergency and critical care.

Your legacy gift is one of the most significant and lasting contributions you can provide to your community. Consider making a legacy gift in support of the Close to Home Campaign for Hospice and End-of-life Care. Your gift will help us build Saskatoon’s first hospice and leave a lasting legacy of compassionate care for future generations.

Your gift today will shape the health care of tomorrow.

You can ensure that advanced research, teaching, diagnosis and treatment continues in areas such as rehabilitation, eye care, orthopedics and more. Letting the Foundation know your plans helps us honour the true intention of your gift, while offering recognition opportunities for you to enjoy.

Royal University Hospital Foundation Candace Boersma Annual and Legacy Giving Officer 306.655.6501 candace.boersma@ruhf.org ruhf.org

St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Lecina Hicke Campaign Director 306-655-5832 or 1-888-345-0330 Lecina.Hicke@sphfoundation.org sphfoundation.org

Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation Tracy Boyle Director of Major and Planned Gifts 306-655-8538 or 1-800-603-4464 Tracy.Boyle@saskhealthauthority.ca saskatooncityhospitalfoundation.com

H4

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

PLANNED GIVING s p o n s o r e d by l e av e a l e g a cy ™ s a s k at o o n

a generous spirit:

Long-time foundation volunteer leaves planned gift Wearing a smart red dress she bought for herself for her 90th birthday, Jean Shirley breezes into the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation office, greeting everyone by name with a smile.

She’s well-known in the office for her bubbly personality and for having volunteered at St. Paul’s Hospital for 30 years and starting with the Foundation not long after.

“I made the fatal mistake of telling them one day I started out my office career as a filing clerk,” she said with a laugh. “I ended up doing all the filing here.”

St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation executive assistant Brenda McLean said Jean is “a godsend.” Jean comes in whenever Brenda has work for her, helping with tasks like stuffing and

labelling envelopes and doing filing. This spring, Jean and another helper had 798 envelopes to label and stamp.

“It takes quite a while to get all that work done, so that gives us more time to complete everything else,” Brenda said. “I’m not sure what we would do without her.” Brenda also appreciates Jean’s attention to detail, saying Jean is “sharp as a tack” and will pick up on mistakes others have missed.

Jean started volunteering with the hospital after she retired. She did office work for the 49 years of her career and she likes doing the same familiar work at the foundation.

“Everybody’s so nice that I like to come back and see them. They always did tell me, if they ever gave me any-

Appreciative of the care her husband received at St. Paul’s Hospital, Jean Shirley generously decided to leave the hospital a legacy gift. s U p p L i e d

thing that I didn’t want to do, I should just tell them.”

She said she’s often amazed at how hard foundation staff work to raise money for the hospital. “I had no idea how much work it was until I got here.”

Jean has generously decided to leave the hospital a legacy gift. She made the decision shortly after her husband died. He spent his last days in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital.

“When he was in Palliative Care and he died there, I thought, there isn’t enough I could do for the hospital to thank them for how well they looked after him.”

Not long after, another volunteer mentioned the idea of leaving a gift to the hospital and when she learned a bit

more about how it works, she thought it was a great idea.

“I had to change my Will anyway, so that’s when I decided there was no reason I couldn’t leave some for St. Paul’s Hospital.”

She believes in the generosity of people and said if more people knew you could leave a gift to the hospital in your Will, more people would do it. “It’s not a fact that you can’t afford it, you just don’t think of it,” she said.

St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation is grateful for Jean’s planned gift.

If you would like to learn more about making a planned gift in your Will, please contact Major Gifts Officer Wendy Comeau Greenwood at 306655-5829 or Wendy.Comeau@ sphfoundation.org.

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

Fund created to support organizations near to this family’s hearts Sometimes it takes a major event in your life to make you think about the kind of story you want your life to tell. The stories behind the gifts Leave a Legacy™ month seeks to highlight are rich and varied, touching, often heartbreaking, but have one thing in common – a family has a moment where they think about their life’s story and they act on it.

For Darlene Bessey and Ken Pontikes, that moment was the arrival of their daughter Zoë in 1999. They became parents later in life and had already established lives and careers that were focused on building community resilience and taking an active role with organizations they saw doing good work. Like so many families, the arrival of a baby and all the responsibilities that come along with raising a child prompted Darlene and Ken to ensure their daugh-

ter would be looked after, should anything happen to them. At the same time, given their fundamental belief in the importance of being engaged and active citizens, they worked with Saskatoon Community Foundation to create a bequest for the Darlene Bessey and Ken Pontikes Family Fund.

Darlene and Ken chose three organizations that are near to their hearts to benefit from their bequest – Meewasin Valley Authority, YWCA of Saskatoon, and Crossroads International.

These organizations represent areas of tremendous importance to them: conservation and protection of the local environment in Saskatoon; providing shelter and support to women and children in crisis; and working for equality of women and girls and the eradication of poverty around the world. “Twenty years later,

Darlene Besse and Ken Pontikes worked with Saskatoon Community Foundation to create a family fund that involves their daughter Zoë in their support of three charitable organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. s U p p L i e d

those issues are more relevant now,” says Darlene. “We know Saskatoon Community Foundation will always be there and will be able to assist organizations through funding as well as building capacity. Saskatoon Com-

munity Foundation’s vehicle (endowment bequest agreement) makes it so much easier to make all of the arrangements.”

As 20 years have passed and Zoë has grown up, the reasons for creating

their family fund have not changed. They still want to ensure that Zoë has what she needs, but now that she is an adult, an important part of that is being actively involved in supporting her community. Their gifts every

year are a family decision as Zoë’s parents have been sure to include her in these conversations as a way to pass on both their commitment to community and to share with her the richness that giving has provided them in their lives. The whole family has always been active volunteers and believes strongly that they have a responsibility to participate and help create the kind of community they want to be a part of.

“We give a lot of time and are happy to do that as part of a community that we love.”

The Bessey-Pontikes family’s story of giving is one of connection, legacy, and love. Saskatoon Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to share their story and grateful that they chose to act on their desire to preserve that connection forever. Learn more at saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca.

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY SASKATOON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

Couple’s generosity helps build students’ futures I think this is the true meaning of legacy – it will just keep on giving back.

A bursary for carpentry students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic honours the life of a man, provides much needed financial support for students now and long into the future, and has provided some significant tax advantages for his family.

Ann and George Mertler were married for 64 years. When George, a master woodcrafter, passed away in 2012, Ann started looking for ways to celebrate his life, and create a legacy that had meaning for both of them.

“George was a very ambitious man and looked forward to building up this city and the country, and where else could he give his efforts to? Wood was his line of work, and he enjoyed it so much,” says Ann. “I’m a giving person. If I help someone else, I feel bet-

ter. Whenever I needed help, I received it myself – and education is what everyone needs.”

A planned gift also made good financial sense for tax and estate planning purposes. The Mertlers provided enough funding for two bursaries of $2,000 each to be provided each year. A further $100,000 in bank shares was transferred to the school upon Ann’s passing in 2016, giving Ann’s estate the benefit of a tax receipt but removing the taxable capital gain. The dividend paid from the shares will be used for bursaries.

“Dad knew the value of Sask Polytech, as he was getting these young fellows in his trade who were working with him as graduates and apprentices. He really grew to appreciate what the technical school had to offer and the types of people it was turning out,” says Gord Mertler, George’s son.

“I think this is the true meaning of a legacy – it will just keep on giving back. My parents were not high-profile in their community, but this allows something in their name to continue on.”

By leaving a Legacy Gift to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, you will be making a very personal state-

Saskatoon

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”

- Maya Angelou George and Anne Mertler’s legacy will live on through bursaries awarded to carpentry students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. s U p p L i e d

ment about the values you have embraced throughout your lifetime. Investing in higher education…Tomorrow in the Making.

For more information on making a legacy gift, please contact Michele Krieger, Major Gifts Officer, 306 - 691-8543, Michele. krieger@saskpolytech.ca or visit https://alumni.saskpolytech.ca/

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

Your planned gift creates a healthy Saskatoon Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatoon Branch 1301 Avenue P North Saskatoon, SK S7L 2X1 Tel: 306-384-9333 http://saskatoon.cmha.ca

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

PLANNED GIVING

H5

s p o n s o r e d by l e av e a l e g a cy ™ s a s k at o o n

inspiring the next generation of educators The A. Marion Clarke Education Trust is having a tremendous impact on the advancement of early childhood undergraduate teacher education at the University of Saskatchewan – just ask Jordanne Estergaard and Christina Luross.

The two young women are teacher candidates in the College of Education. In September, they began their final year of university specializing in early childhood education – an area of focus that would otherwise not have been possible without Marion Clarke’s will gift. A fellow education alumna, her donation re-established the program in 2016, allowing the college to continue supporting programming for those with an interest in the youngest minds in the education system.

Originally from southern Ontario, Jordanne had thoughts of becoming a teacher from a young age.

Education students Jordanne Estergaard and Christina Luross will soon be fulfilling their dreams of teaching young children. p H o t o : U n i v e R s i t y o f sa s k at C H e Wa n

Her choice was solidified after completing a co-op work placement in her senior year of high school.

“I worked in kindergarten

classes, and then Grade 6 and Grade 8, but kindergarten stole my heart,” she said.

She went on to complete a child youth worker degree be-

fore moving to Saskatchewan in 2013 to work as a youth care worker at Eagle’s Nest Youth Ranch. Jordanne hopes to keep working with younger children after she graduates.

Working in a school in a northern community is of particular interest to her – a challenge she feels prepared for, given her past experience and education.

“The struggles they have there are different from the ones we have here,” she said, adding that regardless of where she ends up teaching, she wants to act as an advocate for her students.

Jordanne’s cohort, Christina Luross, has a similar disposition for helping others.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Christina always looked forward to the future and knew she wanted to make a difference–whether by joining student council in high school or organizing bottle drives to send less-fortunate children to

summer camp.

“We all want to make a difference in the lives of othersspecifically young childrenand have a positive impact,” she said.

Christina is currently working as an education assistant in the Saskatoon Public School system while completing her studies. She would like to complete a French degree and work as a French immersion teacher. This means, of course, spending a little extra time as a student herself, but she doesn’t mind - the calling card of a true teacher.

“I love school,” said Christina, a self-affirmed lifelong learner.

Jordanne and Christina both acknowledge the exceptional gift left by Marion Clarke that allowed them to reach their educational goals.

“Our hope is that people recognize the significance of the generosity from donors like Marion Clarke whose vi-

sion and passion has empowered students to further study early childhood education,” said Jordanne.

“If Marion Clarke was here today, my hope would be that she could see the incredible impact her gift has had on creating inspired and passionate early childhood educators,” added Christina.

Following Marion’s lead, the College of Education announced this past February that they will begin offering an early childhood education concentration option as part of their standard programs beginning in the fall of 2019.

Thanks to a new partnership with the provincial government’s Ministry of Education, eight new courses are being developed for this program.

If you would like to support students’ ambitions through a gift in your Will, please contact USask Gift Planning at 306966-2416 or email gift.planning@usask.ca.

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY USASK GIFT PLANNING FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

thoughtful gift supports families of critically ill children Harry Zacharias was born in the small village of Neuanlage, Saskatchewan. Harry married his wife Elsie in 1965 and together they made Saskatoon their home. Harry was predeceased by his wife Elsie of 37 years and his infant son John Allan, which gave Harry the love for children.

Harry was very proud of his service and dedication of 44 years at Intercontinental

Packers (Mitchells Gourmet Foods). Harry enjoyed many sports especially golfing, pickle ball, tennis, baseball, biking and jogging along the Meewasin Valley Trail. Harry always enjoyed attending church on Sundays and having a good chit chat over coffee.

Harry’s incredible generosity in leaving behind a lasting legacy that will help say “yes” to hope, care and cure for chil-

dren and their families in Saskatchewan and beyond. Harry’s love for children was what made The Ronald McDonald House charity a special charity that was close to his heart.

Harry knew the Ronald McDonald House keeps families together through unexpected journeys and have staff and volunteers to share in the joys of the small steps along the way. Families can focus on the

children’s care and knowing every family has a home in the Ronald McDonald House.

Harry loved that the Ronald McDonald House gives children a chance to play and feel the love and support they need to make the treatment a little

more bearable.

Harry’s gift lets us know the community will ensure the growing needs now and into the future. For more information, visit Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmh. sk.ca.

The Ronald McDonald House charity had a special place in the heart of Harry Zacharias. His legacy gift will help provide care and support to families of sick children who stay at Ronald McDonald House, now and in the future. s U p p L i e d pH o t o

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

once upon a time…

by Jay sTark Sutton Financial G roup

Stories impart wisdom. And stories get passed on. Will yours?

What is the story of Cinderella trying to impart to the listeners? Fight for your dreams… and do so with kindness and hard work. Ideals we all want for our children and grandchildren.

It’s the same dream my Grandma, Verda Smith, passed on to me. She was a pioneer in her day – a veteran of the Canadian Army, a great work ethic, just so very kind, and she brought a bundle of positive energy to everyone she met and everything she did. She might have even had

a bit of advice for Cinderella herself. Something like, “Stand on your own two feet, with or without slippers.” And “Do not hinge your happiness or success on a prince.”

Only one of my daughters, Lexie, was lucky enough to meet her as a baby. Grandma passed away before she could really have a meaningful impact directly on her greatgranddaughter. And yet, she would be extremely proud that her great-granddaughter is living a life that reflects the very values she lived out. Passing them down to us was one of the best gifts we ever received.

Like money, wisdom is hard-earned.

Most people who have been successful in accumulating

money believe that passing down wisdom and values to those who will be following in their footsteps is one of the most important things to pass on.

If you had to choose between passing your money OR your values to the next generations, which would you choose? Both, right?

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose. There are ways to pass down both! Leaving your hard-earned money AND your hard-earned wisdom is what leaving a legacy is all about.

One of the best ways to pass on your wisdom and values is to design your legacy with incentive clauses. Another is to pass on family charitable dollars.

Another is to take an allfamily trip every year where you capture your favourite family stories. The ones that contain your wisdom and values.

Is your wealth plan passing on your money and your wisdom? If so, then well done… you are well on your way to Leaving a Legacy. If not, then you may have a little work to do to get on track to building a meaningful legacy with the people and causes you care about most.

On a regular basis, Jay and his team are doing interviews and research to uncover the biggest issues and challenges that people face in terms of their financial future and legacy. Some of this research is available in a Special Report titled “The Top 7 Mistakes We Make When Donating to Charity.” To obtain a copy, please call 306-934-5540 or visit suttonfinancial.ca

Jay Stark’s grandmother, Verda Smith, pictured here with her great-grand-daughter Lexie, passed on invaluable wisdom to her family members. What legacy do you want to leave for your family? s U p p L i e d

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY SUTTON FINANCIAL GROUP FOR AWARENESS PURPOSES.

GIVE THE GIFT OF INDEPENDENCE TODAY TO TRAIN MORE

GUIDE DOGS FOR PEOPLE WITH VISION LOSS IN YOUR

SUPPORTING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

a shared responsibility

Knowing that my gift will have an impact for years to come brings me enormous satisfaction and peace. Donor, SFBLC

COMMUNITY

To learn more, contact: Laurie O’Connor, Executive Director 306.664.6565 laurie.o@saskatoonfoodbank.org

Seeking guidance from a professional can ensure your legacy goals are fulfilled. s U p p L i e d

TO DONATE CALL (306) 374-4545 OR GO CNIB.CA/WELCOME TO MAKE YOUR GIFT SECURELY ONLINE

H6

S a t u r d a y, M a y 4 , 2 0 1 9

S a S k at o o n S ta r P h o e n i x

The Practical Stuff Remembering your favourite charities in your will is an act that is generous, powerful and surprisingly simple. Talk with your charities of choice to learn where your gift can have the most impact. Learn about recognition opportunities and discuss your recognition preferences.

Legacy giving may allow you to leave a larger gift than would be possible during your lifetime, while still retaining control of your assets. Each individual’s financial circumstances are unique; working with a qualified professional advisor will ensure your gift is well planned to address tax preferred options.

You can Leave a Legacy™ to your favourite charity or not-for-profit organization by: 1. Including them in your will; gift a dollar amount or a percentage of your assets.

2. Naming them as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or pension plan.

3. Naming them as the beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy.

4. Remembering loved ones with a gift in their honour.

5. Encouraging family and friends to leave a gift in their will.

6. Asking your professional advisor, lawyer, financial planner or accountant, to include charitable giving as part of your financial plan and to incorporate this discussion in their counsel to other clients.

Leave a Legacy™

Leave a Legacy™ is a national public awareness program that encourages people from all walks of life to make gifts through a will, life insurance or other planning instrument to the charity or not-for-profit organization of their choice. The goal of the program is to raise awareness of the importance of thoughtful, well-planned, taxpreferred gifts and their impact on the quality of life for everyone in our communities.

Proclamation:

City Council proclaims May 2019 as LEAVE A LEGACY™ Month in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Leave A Legacy™ 2019 Partners

Leave A Legacy™ 2019 Friends

Leave A Legacy™ 2019 Luncheon Sponsor