Planned Giving; Heroes Leaving a Legacy of Hope for Arthritis Care

Planned giving donors are the unsung heroes of philanthropy, quietly shaping the future with their enduring impact. We all strive to live with purpose, longing to leave a legacy for those who follow, and these donors have found a way to do just that by supporting Arthritis Society Canada – both in life and in death.

During Arthritis Awareness Month, we've shared real stories of Canadians living with arthritis, exposing the heavy burden arthritis has on individual lives and their loved ones. With our generous community's support, we're committed to ending the agony of arthritis for six million Canadians.

This generous community includes planned giving donors like François Capogreco, who understood the gravity of arthritis from the devastating impact it had on his life. Rheumatoid arthritis robbed him of tennis, a sport he loved, and forced an early retirement due to disability at age 45. For 25 years, Mr. Capogreco quietly grew an investment fund in the name of Arthritis Society Canada. Part of his lasting legacy has been a $445,000 planned giving gift, to help shape the future of arthritis care.

Maggie Carpenter, another remarkable donor, lived with lupus and understood firsthand the value of arthritis education, advocacy and support in the community. She chose to show her gratitude for the support she received from Arthritis Society Canada by leaving her trust gift of over $3.2 million to ensure the continuation of the invaluable help she received.

“Our planned giving donors believe that arthritis care can be improved for generations to come, and their support leaves an enduring impact. To give for a future that you would wish to be a part of, but know you will not see, is the essence of selflessness,” shares Jennifer Stewart, Chief Development Officer at Arthritis Society Canada. “We are immensely grateful to these quiet heroes as they honour our vision for revolutionizing arthritis care with their generosity.”

For many, like Joan Burrows, who understand what it’s like to live with an invisible disease, arranging now to be a planned giving donor is a way of showing their appreciation for the support and resources they received through Arthritis Society Canada. 

Joan knows how easy it is for the public to ignore what they can’t see and don’t understand. Her reason for leaving a gift in her will to Arthritis Society Canada is clear: “I can’t emphasize enough my strong feelings of gratitude for the research, educational publications and programs of Arthritis Society Canada. But there’s still so much to do to end this disease, and I want to do my part.” 

Others, like John Beresford, have been touched by arthritis through a loved one and are making proactive choices to leave a legacy of hope. “Arthritis Society Canada is doing great work in research and supporting people living with arthritis. I’ve had personal experience living with someone so devastated by the disease, and that’s why I’ve decided to name Arthritis Society Canada as a beneficiary in my will.”

Arthritis Society Canada is deeply grateful to stand alongside its planned giving donors, united by a shared determination to create a brighter future for individuals living with the burden of arthritis. Together, with the steadfast support of our compassionate community, we will drive the change needed to finally end the agony of arthritis.

Inspired and curious about planned giving and the potential impact you can make on the arthritis community? Learn more about Planned Giving or connect with Liesl Drayton, Director of Planned Giving at Arthritis Society Canada: ldrayton@arthritis.ca

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