The planned giving committee's main purpose is to educate professionals in the community about the many vehicles that are available to their clients wishing to support a favourite charity or cause. The most recognized planned giving opportunities include gifts left in a will or estate bequests, life insurance giving, gifts of publicly traded securities or charitable remainder trusts. All of these types of gifts provide charities with much needed support and also may provide the donor with tax savings.

Currently the committee includes individuals who are life insurance agents, financial advisors, lawyers, accountants and bank managers. The charitable representatives on the committee are members of the North Simcoe Fundraisers Network, a group of 20 representatives from local charities who meet regularly to share ideas and support.

The committee plans to hold two seminars annually. Most seminars are targeted to charities and the legal, financial and insurance professionals in our area as local opportunities for continuing education. The committee's intention is to bring experts in the field to Midland or Penetanguishene, so local professionals do not have to leave the area for ongoing education. Future seminars will also be held specifically for charitable organizations, current donors and the public.

The Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CAIFA) played a large role in establishing the committee and funding the first seminar on Feb. 22, 2001. CAIFA initiated the first planned giving committee in the Barrie area several years ago and the North Simcoe committee is a spin-off of that first group.

The North Simcoe Planned Giving Committee's overall goal is to enhance the spirit of giving in our communities - helping to make our already great area, an even better place to live.

For more information or to find out about the next seminar contact the Huronia Hospitals Foundation.