Linda’s Legacy: Protecting nature for her Grandchildren

When the phone rings at work, I’m often about to go on a trip down memory lane. A few months ago, it was with the lovely Valerie Robertson, who called me to talk about her late mother, Linda Elizabeth Gburski. Linda had generously named WWF as one of the beneficiaries on her RRSP. Valerie wanted to honour her mother’s memory and pay tribute to her kindness and generosity in helping others. Linda was an award-winning volunteer and loyal supporter to several charities. In the months leading up to her death, Valerie and Linda had many conversations about her legacy.

© Jane Timmins / Simply You Images
Linda and Valerie © Jane Timmins / Simply You Images

Valerie is proud that her mom decided to continue giving to the charities she believed in: “She always felt that it was her duty to give back and help others where she could. Her accomplishments in life were great but the legacies she left represent everything that she stood for: thinking of others, even in death. I had to smile, seeing that her donation to WWF was made through her RRSPs. She was still thinking of my well-being – as executor of her estate, this gave me a tax advantage and was a very easy process. She was also thinking of her grandchildren: WWF is protecting nature for future generations.”
We are honoured and grateful that Linda chose to include conservation work, through WWF, as part of her legacy. Her gift will make a big difference in helping us to create solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature to live in harmony.
Naming WWF as a beneficiary on your RRSP, mutual funds or life insurance policy is just one of the ways to let your care and compassion for conservation continue in years to come. It is a quick, simple and inexpensive way to include a future gift for WWF, after you have taken care of your loved ones.
To learn more about how you can make a real difference for nature and wildlife, as Linda has, join us for an exclusive event on Tuesday, September 23 at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, ON. Financial expert Keith Thomson will share tips on how you can minimize your taxes now and maximize your philanthropic impact. Free guided gallery tour at 11 a.m., light lunch at 12 noon, and Keith’s presentation at 1 p.m.
Learn more at wwf.ca/legacy or call Maya at 416-489-4567 ext 7242.