Couple creates $200,000 endowment Eileen and Gordon Bonnor cite upbringing for gift
Legacy: More than an amount of money or property left in a will or something handed down by a predecessor; Legacy is also the desire to be remembered for what you have contributed to the world.
Tracy Boyle, Director of Major and Planned Gifts at Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation sees examples of both definitions, especially for planned giving.
“Leaving money to charity in a will allows donors to have access to their assets during their lifetime while ensuring that their legacy lives on through a planned gift,” she says. “Many donors do so with a specific cause or purpose in mind, and letting the Foundation know about these plans helps us understand and honor the true intention of the gift and offer various recognition opportunities for donors to enjoy. Gifts made through a will can support priority needs at the time the gift is made or they can be designated to support a particular area of interest.”
She notes a local couple, Eileen and Gordon Bonnor. “It truly was a pleasure to work with the Bonnors over several years to fully understand their planned giving intentions. This was a thoughtful process that meant a lot to all of us. Like so many in the province, giving is part of their background.”
In 2016, the Bonnors pledged $200,000 in their will for the Foundation to create the Eileen and Gordon Bonnor Endowment. The endowment will be created upon their passing.
“Endowments are a form of legacy giving and attractive to people who want to ensure their name is kept alive after they’re gone,” explains Boyle. “It also ensures the Foundation can carry out its mission long into the future. Donors commit to creating an endowment fund with a certain gift amount; the Foundation can then direct the revenue earned from the investment of this gift to support the stated purpose of the fund.”
In designating the bequest, Gordon Bonnor noted his upbringing. He was born in the Carnduff district and grew up in the rural Fort Pitt area. Watching how people were always willing to help one another left a lasting impression on him.
Eileen (Hill) grew up and went to school in North Battleford. After attending Robertson Secretarial School in Saskatoon, she spent 27 years working for the University of Saskatchewan. Following retirement, she volunteered at the Royal University Hospital gift shop for three years and then City Hospital’s Gift Shoppe for 12.
Gordon was a teacher his entire career, working with hundreds of students. He feels blessed to have lived in a country where hard work and wise investments made it possible to give back to society.
Eileen cites her time as a patient as another reason for their gift, first after experiencing serious facial burns and later when receiving two hip replacements. She attributes her recovery to the skilled surgeon and the compassionate staff at City Hospital.
In the Bonnor Endowment, funds will be earmarked for equipment purchases that benefit orthopedic surgery, endoscopy, eye surgery, and sleep apnea care.
“This is crucial given that Saskatoon City Hospital is a leading centre for ambulatory care,” Boyle notes. “While 130,000 plus patients visit every year, the more impressive statistic is that 95 per cent go home the same day. The hospital’s purpose is to restore quality of life for patients. By supporting the Foundation, donors help people see better, walk better and live better.
“With this in mind, Eileen and Gordon created their endowment,” Boyle says. “Their gift will help fund future priority items for hospital departments that are of particular interest to them. The Foundation thanks the Bonnors for creating this lasting legacy.”
For more information about how you can help visit SaskatoonCity HospitalFoundation.com.