Taking care of the future!
I am very passionate about Legacy/Planned Giving. For many of us, this is the best way to make a significant charitable contribution that was not possible during our lifetime. When I decided to leave some money in my will, I experienced the amazing feeling of making a truly impactful gift and leaving something behind to the organization I am passionate about.
I am sure this is how our recent estate donors, Amelia “Emily” Johnston and Mykola & Maria Mys, felt when they decided to leave their legacy for the benefit of their community and charities they supported throughout their lives.
Amelia “Emily” Johnston
Amelia “Emily” Johnston (nee Krywiak) was born in Windsor, Ontario. From a young age, she learned to love and cherish her culture. She was a faithful and devoted member and volunteer of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral and its Lesia Ukrainka Women’s Club.
Emily had a heart full of love and generosity, and she appreciated the work of the UCC National, which she supported for over 11 years. She believed that only a strong Ukrainian Canadian organization could lead our community into a bright future. She was always grateful that her parents could feel “at home away from home” because of the strong Ukrainian Canadian Community.
Emily’s final legacy gift in support of the UCC’s work totalling $85,5000.00 was transferred to us in February 2021.
Mykola and Maria Mys
Mykola was born in Jasionka, Turka, Poland. He survived the Holodomor and the II World War. In 1947 Mykola came to Canada and eventually settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where he met his Ukrainian Canadian wife, Maria (nee Miketa). They were both members of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit. Maria held various public positions, including president of a youth organization at the League of Ukrainian Catholic Women of Canada. She was an active member of the Ukrainian National Union (Hamilton branch), a Ukrainian Women’s Organization member, and a Senior’s Club member.
Mykola and Maria always felt the importance of supporting their community, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, which they supported for over 14 years. When deciding which program to support, the Holodomor Education and Awareness Fund was their choice. Mykola felt that educating others about this tragedy was his duty as a survivor.
Thank you, Yvonne Hawryliuk for honouring Mykola and Maria Mys’s wishes and donating $50,648.00 in total from their Estate to the Holodomor Education and Awareness Fund.
If you would like to get more information about leaving your legacy, please contact me at 416.524.7665 or janine.kuzma@ucc.ca. Remember, you can start planning at any time, regardless of your age or financial situation!
