The fact that his mother was a nurse was one reason why he chose the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. He also said that in general, he felt it was important to support local healthcare.
Bob worked for 26 years at Port Arthur Motors and was self-employed for 17 years before retiring. He had planned to make his will out to his three siblings and their families, but his sister suggested that he also consider giving some to charity. Bob saw an ad in the newspaper about the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and its legacy gift program, and decided to make a call.
“I phoned Terri Hrkac and found out more information,” he said. “She was very helpful. She also took me on a tour of the Health Sciences and showed me some pieces of medical equipment that was purchased by donations to the Foundation and how it impacts the way healthcare is delivered to our patients.”
Terri Hrkac is the Director of Major and Planned Giving at the Health Sciences Foundation. She helps donors understand exactly what legacy giving is, and most importantly, how their gift will be used.
“Since we are a local charity, 100% of the money raised stays right here in Northwestern Ontario for local healthcare treatment, education, prevention, and research,” Hrkac said. “For many of our donors, that’s the biggest reason why they support us. They know their donation will potentially help their own family, friends, and neighbours down the road.”
Hrkac added that although she can’t directly help donors change their wills – that has to be done by a lawyer – she can help them understand the process. Hrkac said that in some cases she also encourages donors to contact their financial advisors for more information about tax savings and other issues connected with their legacy gift.
Bob said that all it took to set up the legacy gift was a visit to his lawyer, who took care of all the technical details. “I am very pleased I chose the Health Sciences Foundation, just knowing my gift will help so many patients makes me feel good,” he said.
“It takes a noble person to plant a seed for a tree that will one day provide shade to those whom he may never meet.” Plant you seed today and help grow healthcare right here in Northwestern Ontario. Call the Health Sciences Foundation directly at (807) 345-4673 or visit us online at healthsciencesfoundation.ca for more information about legacy giving.