We are always honoured to share a long-time donor’s story of inspiration and gratitude. Often when we give, we are enacting the thankfulness we feel for our own opportunities and good fortune. Helping someone else gives meaning to our life journeys. Carol, a monthly donor and a member of Leah’s Legacy. reflects on how her own experiences shaped her decision to give.
“I grew up in a family that valued education, even though my parents never had the chance to pursue it. They came of age in the 1930s, during the Depression, when simply getting by was an accomplishment.
By the time I was born, the government was sending family allowance cheques—about $7 a month per child—to help families recover after the war. It doesn’t sound like much now, but it was meant to buy milk and healthy food for growing kids. We were lucky that my dad had steady work, and our weekly grocery bill for a family of six was around $20. Shopping was a family event, and I remember the great debate: could we afford butter this week, or would it be margarine again? Little things like that taught me a lot about managing money and making choices.
I also knew there was a savings account for education, should I want to continue school. I tried university for a year—barely passed—and then worked in a bank for a while before realizing what I really wanted was to become a nurse. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Nursing gave me a rewarding career and even brought me back to school a few times along the way.
I am now 80 years old and am so grateful that I had the financial means to attend higher education, which has made a tremendous difference in my life; my decision to donate to Aunt Leah’s through my will is intended to help, in whatever way the recipients wish, reach their goals” – Carol Hames
Like Carol, you can help ensure that future generations of Aunt Leah’s youth, moms, and their babies have the opportunity to thrive.
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