The North Island College Foundation is inviting community members to take part in its Future 50 Legacy Match campaign, which aims to double the impact of legacy gifts made this holiday season.
Under the initiative, donors who pledge a gift in their will or estate plans unlock matching funds that provide immediate support for North Island College students. The college said the campaign’s goal is to secure 50 new legacy commitments.
The foundation hosted a legacy planning workshop in late November that drew strong interest and prompted several attendees to pledge future gifts.
One student already feeling the benefit of legacy support is Zander Hole, who is enrolled in NIC’s instrumentation and electrical automation technician program. Hole received the Elizabeth Sywulych Ukrainian Heritage Bursary and said the help came at a crucial time.
“I was honoured and grateful to receive this award,” he said. “Studying full-time has been both challenging and rewarding.”
Hole said the bursary eased financial pressures and allowed him to focus on completing his program.
“It truly has made a huge impact on my ability to complete my program at NIC and relieved some financial stress that would only have gotten in the way of my studies.”
The Future 50 Legacy Match campaign operates on two levels. Legacy gifts, whether included in wills or through assets such as securities, help future generations of students. At the same time, every new or increased pledge triggers a $1,000 release from a $50,000 matching fund to support current students through awards, bursaries or emergency assistance.
The matching fund is supported by two $25,000 contributions from Ida and Ted Sauvé and Coastal Community Credit Union.
The foundation said legacy gifts and the Future 50 campaign reflect the community’s generosity and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
