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Restoring Sight and Saving Lives Through a Legacy Gift
Stouffville, ON, May 6, 2010- As Jack J. Stephenson battled the last stages of melanoma cancer, pressing thoughts were on his mind. What would be his legacy? And how might he designate a legacy gift that would have a lasting impact on the lives of people trapped in poverty long after he had passed away? A humble Saskatchewan farmer, Stephenson had supported the life-changing work of cbm Canada for over 30 years. He knew that cbm provides hope and help to people with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world. In November 2008, he contacted cbm through his financial advisor, and specifically requested that his legacy gift should be designated to bring sight to as many people as possible in poverty-stricken countries. A month short of his 82nd birthday, Stephenson passed away in August 2009. As Stephenson requested, the proceeds from his generous $100,000 bequest to cbm will accomplish the following: • Restore sight to over 1,300 people requiring cataract surgery “These funds will train and equip local doctors to become highly skilled eye surgeons,” says Winston Miller, Director, International Programs, cbm Canada. “People who would normally not have this opportunity – because they lack the funds to pursue this specialty – will now be empowered, thanks to the vision and generosity of Jack Stephenson.” “This legacy gift fits well with cbm’s desire to help build cadres of local professionals to serve within their own communities,” adds Miller. “It is hard to determine how many hundreds of lives in the future will be affected by one man’s generosity.” Born on a family farm in Saskatchewan, Stephenson started his own farm in 1957 with his new bride from Ontario. A grain and cattle farmer until 1980, he sold the cattle and went into grain farming with his son, Tom. Together, Jack and Marion raised a family of three boys. Tragically, one son died at the age of 20 in 1980. The surviving sons, Tom and Jeff each have three children who lived nearby. Marion passed away in 2004, at the age of 74 after 48 years of marriage. “Mom and Dad lived a long and good life,” says Tom. “They travelled a lot with trips to England, Australia, China and Mexico.” A very active United Church supporter, Stephenson sang in the choir, was on the church board, and helped with building and maintenance of the church. For over 15 years, he served as president of the local CO-OP, which promotes helping friends and neighbours. “Dad wasn't one to want a lot of attention when he made a financial contribution,” says Tom, Stephenson’s son. “He supported a lot of institutions, like the hospital, seniors’ homes and church in Unity (Saskatchewan) and didn't really want a lot of thank you for it.” Although Stephenson will never know how many lives his gift has touched, his legacy lives on throughout the world. “The essence of the teachings of Jesus is to bring hope where there is little or no hope,” says Ed Epp, Executive Director, cbm Canada. “Often the people that are most in need, the most forgotten, are those with disabilities.” “Sometimes the longest lasting gift that you can give to cbm is in your will, a legacy gift. It’s a footprint of your values. A footprint of your faith. As you move forward to continue those kinds of values, consider a legacy gift to cbm for our life-changing work,” adds Epp. May is LEAVE A LEGACY™ month in Canada. The LEAVE A LEGACY™ program goal is to raise awareness of the importance of thoughtful, well-planned, tax-preferred gifts and their impact on the quality of life for everyone in their communities. For more information on how to leave a meaningful and lasting legacy gift, contact Grace Soukup, Planned Giving Manager at 1-800-567-2264 ext. 288. |
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