Leave a legacy and make a lasting difference

Murray MacAdam, a longtime supporter and former board member of Alongside Hope, has thoughtfully decided to include a bequest to the organization in his will. This will ensure a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire positive change for future generations.

MacAdam’s interest in development work began when he was 27, writing for a newspaper about Canada’s relationship with the global south. This sparked a lifelong commitment to creating positive change. Travelling to over 25 countries, including Brazil, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe, MacAdam witnessed firsthand the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

His experiences visiting the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua deeply influenced his interest in Alongside Hope, then PWRDF. He saw financial support’s impact on communities and was drawn to the organization’s approach to working with local partners. “The people in these countries know the issues they face, and they know how to begin working on them,” MacAdam emphasizes. “Our role is to support them, lend a hand, and provide resources to make a difference.”

For MacAdam, legacy giving is about making sure his values will live on after he’s died. “God blessed me and my family with abundance, and I wanted to share it,” he says. Recognizing the importance of planned giving, MacAdam notes that bequests can be crucial in supporting Alongside Hope’s future work.

The most common way to make a Legacy gift is a charitable bequest or a gift made through a will. A bequest in a will may specify a certain sum of money, a particular asset, or a portion of the estate to be donated to Alongside Hope. Legacy giving ensures that your values and commitment to social justice, humanitarian aid and sustainable development continue to make a lasting impact beyond your lifetime. These gifts can provide essential, long-term support to Alongside Hope, allowing us to respond to urgent needs, invest in community-led initiatives, and create meaningful change for future generations.

MacAdam encourages others to consider legacy giving, emphasizing that every gift, no matter the size, can make a significant impact. “No amount of bequest is too small,” he says. “Even modest gifts, combined with those of others, can add up to make a real difference.”

MacAdam’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that legacy giving can have. As he so eloquently puts it, “As people of faith, we want to be mindful of eternal life. We do have a sense of our commitments and our faith will still have an impact after we’re gone.”

To learn how you can join Murray MacAdam in leaving a lasting legacy through Alongside Hope, visit alongsidehope.org/leave-a-legacy.