Spotlight on Funds – Bequests

Three examples of end-of-life giving that are leaving lasting legacies in our community

Archibald Hadley Dickson Smart and Caring Community Fund

When Archibald Hadley Dickson (Arch) died at the age of 92, he made several charitable gifts in his will including an unrestricted gift of $200,000 to Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF). Arch, was a lawyer and a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton and is remembered as a professional with a quiet sense of humour and a strong commitment to his community. This fund, established in 2002, has already granted more than $80,000 (40 per cent of the initial fund value) to Smart and Caring Community projects. Although Arch did not have a will intention agreement with ECF, the wording in his will allowed ECF to use the funds for projects that best serve the community.

Bunny Casper Rae Fund

Margaret Edith Alice Rae (Bunny) died at the age of 91, leaving funds to a variety of charities with the residue coming to ECF to support or assist disadvantaged youth or women. ECF received her first gift in 2009 and the fund is now worth over $1.4 million. Grants from this fund have supported newcomer women, the Bissell Centre, and youth leadership initiatives. Bunny’s will was specific on the areas that she wanted to support so it helps ECF direct funds to causes that she cared about.

David W. Purvis Fund

David William Purvis was in his forties when he died in 2005. David, together with other family members, had established the Robert David Purvis Fund to support community grants to honour his father, Bob. When David died, his will simply said “To pay over and transfer the residue of my estate to the ECF.” This allows ECF’s board to disburse the grants to emerging and priority community needs. It seemed only fitting that his fund continue the support David started during his lifetime.