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United Way KFL&A encourages community members to continue their tradition of caring through bequests
Bequests support poverty initiatives in the community now and in the future

Kingston, ON (May 17th, 2022) – May is “Leave a Legacy Month” in Canada. In recognition, United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington is raising awareness of the importance of individuals continuing to support their community through endowment gifts. By continuing the tradition of giving with a gift to the United Way’s Eternity Fund, donors can rest assured that their generosity will have an impact for generations to come.

While there are often misconceptions with an endowment fund in terms of wealth, most charitable gifts in Wills are left by Canadians with average means. In KFL&A, United Way started the Eternity Fund in 1999 and since then it has grown from $150,000 to over $4 million. The income of the Eternity Fund is invested in local programs. 

Funds given through endowment are allocated through the United Way KFL&A Board of Directors and are used to address poverty. Currently, 13% of people in Kingston are living below the poverty line and poverty will continue to have an impact for the foreseeable future. Through a gift to the Eternity Fund, United Way will continue to help the most vulnerable in the community now and well into the future.

In 2021, the Eternity Fund supported Emergency Assistance Fund Grants. These included helping community members access fresh food through the Community Food Redistribution Warehouse (CFRW) as well as food boxes for both seniors and students, dental assistance for low-income individuals and access to warm winter boots for children of low-income families.

“Where there is a Will there is a Way,” says Pat Murphy, Board Chair, United Way KFL&A. “Making a bequest in your will is an easy way to continue supporting your community and leave a legacy. You can trust that your United Way will direct the funds to the areas of greatest need and continue to support community members including children, seniors, families and individuals in vulnerable situations.”  

There are many ways that individuals can leave a lasting legacy including a bequest in their will including a particular amount, asset or portion of the estate or a gift of life insurance, real estate, RRSPs or RRIFs.

Earlier this year, United Way KFL&A received a bequest from the estate of Jeffry Piker. As a co-executor of Piker’s estate, Jan Allen wasn’t surprised to see that he chose to support United Way.

“Jeffry Piker’s bequest to the United Way reflects his life-long passion for social justice. Through support for anti-poverty initiatives, youth-at-risk, AIDS/HIV education and newcomers, the United Way addresses head-on many of the most pressing needs in our community, issues that were close to Jeff’s heart,” she said.

United Way KFL&A staff and Board are available to help and meet with individuals or professional advisors to discuss a gift to the Eternity Fund and how it can make a lasting impact for generations to come. The Eternity Fund will ensure that the tradition of caring continues in KFL&A – both today and forever – in this wonderful community we call home.

Learn more about United Way KFL&A’s Eternity Fund at https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/eternityfund/

About United Way KFLA
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with the community to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A provides inspiring opportunities for people to get involved and support issues they care about through volunteering, giving and being advocates for people who are in vulnerable situations.

Stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and look for regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca

Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca

 

 

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"My wife and I have always donated to the United Way KFL&A because we know the donated funds are used in our community. In my retirement, I have become more aware of the people in need in our community. I encourage you to support these vital programs by volunteering and by making a donation. Through the United Way you make a difference in the lives of so many."
Jim Parker
"With our United Way funding, we go right to the grocery store or a local supplier and purchase the food that helps a student take advantage of everything school has to offer. You can be confident that your donation to the United Way stays here, in KFL&A and supports students in our community"
Brenda MooreFood Sharing Project
“United Way came in and adopted us and things changed dramatically, we didn’t have people waiting on the step for a bed in the winter. They stay as long as they need to and we help them get into transitional housing. We provide them with structure and help them. Because of United Way we get to help raise these children and I feel honoured and so proud to know them.”
Denise LambKingston Youth Shelter
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United Way of KFL&A would like to acknowledge this traditional territory’s longer existence and its significance for the Indigenous people who lived and continue to live on Turtle Island.

We are situated on traditional Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat land. There are Métis and other non-status First People from many Indigenous Nations present in our community today. This acknowledgement symbolizes the United Way KFL&A’s first step, of many, along this path toward Indigenous reconciliation, in a respectful manner.

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