Sometimes the most meaningful legacy conversations begin with a personal story, not a financial planning meeting. The inspiration for our recent Hike & Learn event came from one of our clients, a devoted dog lover, who wanted to honour her late mother, the person who had passed down both family wealth and a deep love for animals.  As she thought about her estate and giving plan, one idea kept coming back: supporting the veterinarian students in financial need. Working together, we helped shape a plan that connected her values, her family story, and her desire to make a lasting difference.

Using the RBC Charitable Gift Fund (CGF) strategy, we were able to enhance and maximize her impact by donating investments with accrued unrealized gains, in-kind, which proved to be the most tax‑efficient way to maximize her charitable impact. That strategy helped direct more toward the cause she cared about while saving her a significant amount in tax.  A win-win situation!

From there, the idea grew into something deeply personal: an annual scholarship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for students in financial need. She was also able to name both the Charitable Gift Fund and the scholarship after her mother, turning remembrance into an enduring act of generosity.

That story became the catalyst for our Hike & Learn event on the Varley Trail in Lynn Valley. Rather than gathering in a boardroom, we brought together clients, community members, and fellow animal lovers for a conversation about legacy, philanthropy, and the impact thoughtful planning can have. 

We were honoured to be joined by Dr. Gillian Muir, Dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Melissa Mann, Director of Development. They shared how the college is working to expand its reach, support more students and patients, and advance research in both small animal care and food security.

One fact stood out: there are only 88 veterinary student seats each year across all of Western Canada, with half reserved for BC students. It was a powerful reminder that strategic philanthropy can do more than support a cause, it can help create opportunity where it is needed most.

At Eydt Wealth Partners, the best plans are about more than numbers. They are about creating clarity, stability, and confidence that helps families align their wealth with the people, values, and causes that matter most so they can enjoy their money!

#EnjoyYourMoney #Philanthropy #Community #Giving #CharitableGiftFund