LEAVE A LEGACY - The Cumberland Health Care Foundation recently held an Estate & Financial Planning Seminar during Leave a Legacy Week. Pictured in the Holly Spicer Healing Garden are: (front, from left) Phyllis Cameron, chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation; Morris Haugg, Hicks LeMoine Law Office; (back , from left) Sue McIsaac from SJ McIsaac and Steve Maltby from BMO Nesbitt Burns. Spicer is an example of planned giving as her bequest was used to create this wonderful addition to the CUmberland Health Care Centre, which was opened in June 2004.

May 2005 - Amherst Daily News

May is the perfect time to leave a legacy
by Jennifer Dempsey

UPPER NAPPAN - Cumberland County residents are being encouraged to give the gift that keeps on giving.

May is National Leave a Legacy Month and according to Cumberland Health Care Foundation managing director Jodi Swan, it's a perfect time to start considering leaving a legacy gift to the foundation.

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation will celebrate Leave A Legacy Month with a free information meeting at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre cafeteria tonight (Wednesday) beginning at 6:30p.m. Guest speakers will be local barrister Morris Haugg along with two Amherst area chartered accountants including Sue McIsaac and Stephen Maltby.

THey will speak on the many ways in which to leave a legacy and answer any questions those in attendance might have regarding legacy gifts. They will also speak to the tax benefits associated with legacy gifts.

"Because charitable donation can make a big difference," said Swan.

The foundation plays a vital role in forwarding health care services and programs in Cumberland County. Its mission is to enhance the ability to provide a high standard of health care to all residents of the county by raising funds and supporting new improved services, programs, equipment and facilities.

Legacy gifts such as bequests, gifts of life insurance, gifts of securities, real estate, charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts as well as endowment gifts all have a lasting impact on the success of the foundation fulfilling its mission.

By making a charitable gift as part of an overall estate plan, individuals can continue to help organizations that are making an important difference in their community.

"When we leave a legacy, we ensure that help continues to be there for those who need it."

Swan said the foundation is the recipient of three to four bequests each year, some large and some small. And in some cases, Swan said they are completely unexpected.

"Most people don't let us know they have done it," she revealed.

However, if they notify the foundation of their intention to make a bequest, Swan said they can work with them to better meet their needs.

"But surprises are good as well and we've had a few of them," she added.

A bequest by the late Holly L. Spicer a few years ago was used towards the construction of a beautiful healing garden at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre while another recent bequest allowed for the hiring of a volunteer coordinator at the facility next year. However, smaller gifts like memorial donations are always welcome and well utilized.

"Memorial gifts are a perfect way to contribute to health care in your community," Swan pointed out. " But life insurance policies are a great way to go too."

Donors are welcome to specify where their bequest is to be spent whether it be ICU, educational opportunities, doctors' training, equipment or some other purpose.

"It all can be used and we're using it for such wonderful things," the foundation's managing director assured.

Although no one had registered for the free information session as of Tuesday morning, Swan is hoping a large number of people show up tonight.

"We'd love to have a big crowd."

She stressed the fact that information provided at tonight's meeting can be used for making a legacy gift to any community group or organization and not just the foundation. But she encouraged area residents to start giving some thought to leaving a legacy gift now rather than later.

"A lot of people don't think about these things until they have to."

It is estimated that more than 62 per cent of Canadians contribute to charitable organizations throughout their lifetime. However, research shows that only seven percent continue this support through a gift in their will or estate planning.

For further information on legacy gifts, interested persons are urged to stop into the foundation office at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan, call or access the foundation web site.