Why one GTHS supporter CHOSE TO SAVE ANIMALS
Eight years ago, Lee Pettersen was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Her doctor’s advice: get your affairs in order. It was a daunting and frightening thought. Lee decided to fight, and eight years later, she’s still fighting. But she also prepared her will and estate to ensure that her loved ones will be cared for – including a gift of ongoing care for the dogs and cats at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS).
“When I prepared my will I instructed my executor that I wanted to leave a certain amount to the GTHS,” recalls Lee. “Why the GTHS? Well, I have a passion for animals and can’t stand the horrific stories of neglect and abuse. And I know that once they arrive at the GTHS they will be safe and well cared for. I have myself been given unwanted dogs, cats, a Guinea pig and even two chickens. Those I didn’t keep I managed to put into loving forever homes. Now, with my ongoing illness, I can’t rescue or re-home, but I am able to help it happen through my legacy donation.”
As a longtime patient at Princess Margaret Hospital, Lee has given speeches to various groups on behalf of the hospital foundation. One speech to a group of legacy donors got her thinking about estate giving.
“That was when I first became aware of the process and its benefits, and I was fascinated by the fact that the funds would generate money year after year instead of being a one-time gift,” explains Lee. “I wanted a gift that would keep on giving.”
In addition to a donation to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Lee has included a donation to the GTHS in her estate planning. “I wanted to go local because I know these people, I trust these people. I never, ever looked at anything else,” she says. “I know them, I trust them, and I know that my gift will look after the dogs and cats and will take some of the pressure off the people who work so hard to help the animals.”
By donating a portion of her estate to the GTHS, Lee is helping save animal lives through sheltering and adoption, veterinary care, emergency intakes and humane education.
“More and more people are choosing to include the GTHS in their estate plans,” says GTHS executive director Sonya Reichel. “Their kindness to animals will make our community a better place to live for years to come, and that’s a wonderful legacy.”
Thank you Lee!
Naming the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS) in your will or giving Trust can be done by designating a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residual remaining after other bequest wishes have been fulfilled.
You may also name GTHS as the primary or secondary beneficiary of all or a portion of your personal or employer-provided life insurance policy.
To find out more about including GTHS in your estate plans, go to http://gths.ca/leave-a-legacy/ or contact Sonya Reichel sonya@gths.ca 705-445-5204 ex 225.
