Guest Author: Erin H., Coordinator, Fundraising (Major Gifts & Planned Giving)
In a world where instant gratification is encouraged, there isn’t always space left for long-term thinking. How can you continue to leave a lasting impact on the world once you’re gone?
Thinking about death can be uncomfortable, with many of us avoiding the idea altogether. While we may not know what happens to our soul after we pass on, there are a few truths we can hold onto.
Of the many questions that passing away raises, one thing we might consider is what happens to our belongings and assets when we pass away. With a bit of planning, we can choose how they are used and who they can help.
When you hear the word legacy, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a building with their name on it. For others, it’s a tree planted in their honour. But legacy can also look like nourishing a child, supporting a neighbour, or ensuring no one in your community goes hungry.
May is Leave a Legacy Month, a time to reflect on how your values can live on through the causes you care about most. At Ottawa Food Bank, it’s also a moment to celebrate those who have made the extraordinary choice to include a gift in their Will, long-term investment, or estate plan, a choice that changes lives for generations.
Planned or legacy giving is more than a donation; it’s a powerful expression of love, compassion, and trust. These gifts provide stability and hope for the future, allowing us to plan for the long term and invest in innovative ways to fight hunger. In a time where demand for food support is higher than ever, these thoughtful contributions allow us to stretch farther and dream bigger.
Legacy giving doesn’t come with prerequisites; it is for anyone who wants to make a difference, no matter the size of the gift. You can choose to:
- Leave a bequest in your Will
- Name the Ottawa Food Bank as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA
- Gift life insurance
- Donate publicly traded securities
Each of these options can be tailored to your needs and wishes, and we’re here to help you explore what feels right for you.
A Legacy of Love
In recognition of Leave a Legacy Month, we are honoured to be highlighting four generous donors who have chosen to make a lasting impact through legacy giving.
From leaving a gift in memory of a life guided by compassion, to giving through RRSPs, to creating a way to extend a legacy when there are no children to carry it on; each story is unique, but all are bound by a shared belief in building a better future.
Whether it’s a legacy that lives on through support for Ottawa Food Bank programming or a deep concern for ensuring children have access to nourishing food, these individuals remind us that planned giving is not just about financial generosity; it’s about love, values, and the community we leave behind.
We hope their stories inspire you to reflect on your legacy and how, even when we’re no longer here, the impact of our love can be.
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