Bernie and Michelle: Investing in Tomorrow’s Harvest

More than 30 years ago, Bernie and Michelle Muncaster settled in Ottawa East from Burlington, Ontario. Over the decades, they built their careers, their family life, and a deep appreciation for the community they call home. 

Bernie and Michelle are the owners of Muncaster Environmental Planning Inc, where their work has helped guide responsible development across the region. As one of eastern Ontario’s most experienced ecological consultants, Bernie has spent years helping shape projects while protecting the natural environment that surrounds our communities. 

For Bernie and Michelle, those same values of stewardship and care extend beyond the environment. They also believe in looking after the people in their community. 

Both were raised with a strong understanding of the value of money. They learned early on to save when possible, live within their means, and think carefully about the future. Over time, those lessons helped Bernie build a portfolio of publicly traded stocks, something he continues to follow closely today. 

When the couple decided to make a charitable gift, donating securities felt like a natural choice. 

Bernie and Michelle chose to support the Ottawa Food Bank, recognizing that their gift could make a real difference for people across the city.  It might mean helping ensure a child has a nourishing meal, supporting a neighbour during a difficult time, or making sure families have access to food when they need it most. 

Their gift also reflects the spirit of Tomorrow’s Harvest, the Ottawa Food Bank’s planned giving program. Like planting seeds that will grow in the seasons ahead, thoughtful gifts today help ensure the Ottawa Food Bank can continue serving the community for years to come. 

By sharing their story, Bernie and Michelle hope others might consider how their own plans, investments, or assets could one day support the causes they care about. After all, the seeds we plant today can help nourish tomorrow.