Estate Planning and Charitable Giving Event

On Thursday May 7th, 2015 at the Huron County Museum in Goderich, The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health attended an estate planning and charitable giving event. Dean Whalen of Lighthouse Money Management hosted the well-organized occasion. This informative and enlightening event had two top quality speakers, Wilmot George of MacKenzie Financial, and Lea Koiv of Manulife Financial. Mr. George educated attendees about different vehicles in which one can donate to their charity of choice, and Ms. Koiv spoke about donating to charitable organizations through life insurance. Three local charitable groups, The Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation, The Maitland Trail Association, and The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health, were able to speak about their values and goals, and how donated funds will be used within their non-profit organization. Myles Murdock spoke on behalf of the AMGH Foundation about the three focuses of current attention: women’s health, mental health, and the health of older adults; as well as the expansion of the dialysis unit. Susanna Reid spoke on behalf of The Maitland Trail Association about the construction of a new bridge and benches along the trails. On behalf of Gateway, Dan Stringer spoke about the development of Gateway; the hiring of the summer students Alanna Roy, Julia Huber, and Katrina Merner; and the respective research projects that are currently being undergone by the research chairs and summer students. Alanna is working with Jay McFarlan on the development of Grand Sparks, a week-long summer camp in July involving grandparents and their grandchildren participating in different physical activities. Julia is working with Everspring Farms to develop a chronic disease specific food product to be sold within Huron, Perth, Grey, and Bruce counties. Katrina is working with Dr. Feng Chang on a project investigating opioid misuse in rural areas. Accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, and the general public attended the event; and the enthusiasm and information provided in each presentation was enjoyed by all attendees.

The three summer students (from left to right) Katrina Merner, Alanna Roy, and Julia Huber, gained a valuable insight into donating to charitable organizations.

The Gateway Team pictured with the two presenters and event organizer (from left to right back row: Lea Koiv, Katrina Merner, Alanna Roy, Wilmot George, Dan Stringer, and Dean Whalen; front row: Julia Huber).