The power of a story – and a gift

When Rosemary first encountered Alongside Hope, it wasn’t through a speaker at church or an advertisement in a campaign. It was through something far more personal – stories.

“I receive Under the Sun with my copy of the Anglican Journal,” she recalls, “and it is always full of stories. Real people, real situations. That’s what caught my attention.” For Rosemary, the heart of Alongside Hope’s mission lies in those stories. Stories that connect supporters like her directly with those who are being supported, across Canada and the rest of the world.

A long-time donor, Rosemary has stayed engaged with the organization over the years. As an Anglican she is proud of the difference Alongside Hope has made in the lives of so many both locally and globally though faith and hope.

Since receiving a small inheritance, Rosemary has been buying shares – with limited knowledge but lots of faith and guided by God most of those shares have increased significantly in value. This increase in wealth is not EARNED, it comes with no work, no effort and is a privilege, she feels obliged to share. Last year she made a gift of shares to Alongside Hope. This year the tax refund received from this gift went a long way towards a donation to provide one Solar Suitcase. With the current matching fund, she didn’t just help fund one Solar Suitcase – she funded two.

A Solar Suitcase is a portable, bright yellow solar-powered kit designed to bring reliable electricity and life-saving medical tools to rural maternal health clinics that often have no power. It contains:

• High-efficiency solar panel and long-lasting battery
• Medical-grade LED lights for nighttime deliveries
• Phone charging ports for communication
• Fetal Doppler to monitor babies during labour

In many rural areas, nurses and midwives have to deliver babies in the dark – sometimes by candlelight or phone flashlight – putting mothers and newborns at serious risk. The Solar Suitcase provides essential light and power, enabling safe births and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

When asked what she would say to someone who’s on the fence about giving to Alongside Hope, Rosemary’s message is simple but profound:

“Don’t underestimate what your gift can do. It might seem small, but it’s part of something bigger – and that matters. Everything we have is a gift from God and it is our responsibility as disciples of Jesus to share whatever God has given us.”

Donating stocks or mutual funds to Alongside Hope is a powerful way to help communities in need around the world. When you donate securities, you get two tax advantages:

• You don’t pay tax on the capital gains
• You receive a charitable tax receipt

To give, just complete the Alongside Hope Charitable Gift of Securities Authorization Form.

We encourage you to talk with a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor to make sure your gift works well with your financial plans.