Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1366615
4 L E AV E A L E G A C Y ™ M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n c e i n t h e L i v e s t h a t F o l l o w The pandemic has allowed people to re-examine what they want their legacy to be By Pat Rediger T he pandemic has brought about a multitude of changes in society, from working at home to closed restaurants and bars to social distancing. One area that has changed but has not received much attention is people's approach to gift- giving. "This time has allowed some to reconsider their priorities and what they want their legacy to be," says Jackie Markstrom, development officer with St John's College at the University of Manitoba. "It has allowed us to think about what we want and how to achieve that – from the environment to fighting racism and poverty. The pandemic has shown that we are all vulnerable." Markstrom develops and implements fundraising programs and alumni relations at St John's College, a small college founded more than 150 years ago that is situated at the U of M's Fort Garry campus. Her efforts assist students and faculty through initiatives such as an academic endowment fund for research; public lectures and conferences; an expansion of the Canadian studies program; chaplaincy support services; residence improvements; and scholarships and bursaries. While most charities have been able to adapt and innovate to continue to offer services and programs to their communities since the onset of the pandemic, the situation remains challenging. More than a year since the onset of the pandemic, the crisis continues to have a significant impact on demand, capacity, and revenue for many charitable organizations. Similar to other workers, Markstrom headed home to work on the college's gift-giving program and has not been able to visit with alumni and donors. She's spent plenty of time on the phone and in virtual meetings to connect with program supporters. Since many of the college's students lost their part- time jobs, Markstrom worked with her colleagues to develop a request to provide financial assistance to these students. The response has been better than expected and overall the college's donations are in-line with previous years. "The people we spoke with acknowledged that, for the most part, they have been fortunate during COVID in that they are able to work from home or are retired," she says. "They felt that it was their responsibility to help those who were experiencing more difficulties during COVID." She added that donors were usually grateful for their family and friends during this time and the experience has given them a chance to reflect and re-evaluate what is important in their lives. Many are especially concerned about the impact that the pandemic will have on younger family members and Markstrom says that people appear to be giving more thought to their approach to gift-giving. Although there is no indication that the pandemic will end soon, Markstrom says people are beginning to speculate what will happen to gift-giving once it is over. Some suggest that giving may subside as people return to their lives and assess the pandemic's economic impact on their own situations, but she says that for the most part it is simply too soon to say. "We will continue to connect with our donors, tell their stories and share student stories," she says. "People can give to charity and give to their family too in meaningful ways. I don't know what will happen once we are back to 'normal,' but I do know that there will people who need help and people who will give help." ❚ Jackie Markstrom, Chair of the CAGP Manitoba Chapter Photo by Darcy Finley A time to RECONSIDER PRIORITIES