A Nature Lover's Legacy

Photo: Barbara Vengshoel

Learn more about the advantages of giving a gift of stock, or other planned gift. Please call Jodi Joy at 1-800-267-4088 ext 239 or email her at jjoy [at] naturecanada.ca

When Barbara Vengshoel was planning her estate, a friend suggested she donate some of her stocks to charity. The idea struck a chord. “I liked the idea of seeing my gift in action,” says Barbara.

Already a committed Nature Canada monthly supporter, Barbara saw her gift of stock as an easy way to make a
significant contribution to the nature-saving programs she
values.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” explains Barbara. “My late husband and I were amateur naturalists. We first met at a natural history society event and in the years after, enjoyed hiking together in the mountains to see nature’s beauty around us.”

“I like that Nature Canada helps get children more involved with nature,” says Barbara, who, as a former kindergarten teacher, recognizes its lasting benefit.

“Their work protecting endangered animals is also very important to me.”

Because Barbara’s gift was a direct transfer of stock, not cash, she received an income tax deduction. She also saved the capital gains tax. “The government has made it much easier to make these kinds of gifts,” explains Barbara. “There’s deductions and tax incentives.”

In fact, thanks to recent changes in Canadian tax law, donors can now give stocks, bonds or mutual funds to charities like Nature Canada and pay no capital gains tax whatsoever on any increase in value. The process wasn’t complicated at all.

“My stockbroker worked out all the details for me,” explains Barbara. “I benefit. Nature Canada benefits. What’s the point of sitting on my money until I die?”