A Legacy from the Heart
For Allan McKenzie giving back to the community that he and his late wife Rosie fell in love with more than 30 years ago feels both natural and deeply meaningful.
One cause especially close to his heart is the establishment of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab to serve the community of Central Vancouver Island. He has made a gift in his Will to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation to support life-saving cardiac procedures in Nanaimo. Allan’s gift was the spark that has ignited the entire project—transforming it from a distant dream into an active initiative that has inspired other significant donations.
Allan has directed that his bequest be made through appreciated securities. Stocks, mutual funds, or bonds can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. When you donate shares directly to a registered charity, you avoid paying capital gains tax on the increase in their value. This means that we receive the full market value, and your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt for the same amount.
It’s an approach which allows you to make a larger impact than you could with a cash gift, while reducing the tax burden on your estate. As Allan puts it, “I’d rather see that money go to the charities I support than to the government in taxes.”
Some now, more later
Allan’s decision to create this legacy gift was sparked by the loss of his beloved wife of 61 years.
“After Rosie passed away, I immediately made a gift in her memory in support of the campaign to build a new Intensive Care Unit at NRGH. I was supposed to go first—I’m the one with the heart condition,” he says. “Then I rewrote my Will.”
Allan’s three children fully support his decision. “They’re well taken care of and proud of what I’m doing,” he says. “If you live in a community, it’s a privilege to support it.”
“I like to think of my giving as ‘some now, more later’. You don’t have to change your standard of living today to make a difference. You can give what feels comfortable for you now, or contribute by volunteering your time, and plan a meaningful gift through your Will for later. Creating this gift gave me great satisfaction. It feels good to know I can leave something of lasting value.”
Allan has been deeply involved with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, openly sharing his plans and hopes for the future. He has spoken at events to inspire others to get involved and to consider this kind of gift. By discussing his wishes with us, Allan has also strengthened his connection with the Foundation—an experience he describes as deeply rewarding.
Barney Ellis-Perry, our Chief Executive Officer, speaks for all of us when he says, “We’re grateful to Allan for this visionary gesture and for sharing his decision with us. When donors tell us about their future gifts, it allows us to honour their intentions—and thank them today.”
A legacy gift is a powerful way to ensure quality healthcare continues on Central Vancouver Island for generations to come. If you’d like more information, please get in touch with Cheryl Onciul, our Senior Gift Planning Officer, at 250-755-7690 or email her at cheryl.onciul@islandhealth.ca.
