Donor
Profile: Life Insurance
Jack Jefferson
In
1995, as President of the Alzheimer Society of Canada,
Jack Jefferson took a leadership role in the Society's
gift planning program by providing a planned gift of
a life insurance policy.
Jack's
motivation to help the Society as both a volunteer and
financial contributor stemmed from his experience as
a caregiver. He and his family took care of his father
who suffered from Alzheimer's disease in the 1980's. "The
nature of this disease is so tough on caregivers," Jack
says. "It is so emotionally demanding to watch a
loved one deteriorate. Respite for a caregiver is absolutely
essential. Of course, research is also critical. If we
find a cause and a cure, we don't have to worry about
respite."
For
a modest monthly premium over a period of eight years,
Jack has made a significant future gift that will help
to ensure the continuation and financial stability of
the Alzheimer Society's Research Program. And since the
Society is the named owner and beneficiary of the policy,
Jack receives an annual tax credit for the full amount
of his premium payment.
Jack's
commitment and enthusiasm for the work of the Alzheimer
Society remained constant even after his term as Society
president. A few years ago, when Jack approached his
60th birthday, several of his closest friends tried to
think of a meaningful way to celebrate this milestone.
They enlisted the help of Jack's family and soon the
idea of a charitable commemorative fund took shape. His
daughter, Laura, who co-ordinated the effort says, "The
idea of donating to a cause that Dad really cares about
made a lot of sense. It was obvious to all of us to choose
the Alzheimer Societybecause of his deep commitment to
the Society at every level. Although the disease affected
our family directly, Dad's main concern was in strengthening
the organization and its Research Program, so many more
people struggling with the disease could be helped."
Laura,
her siblings and a committee of family friends wrote
personal letters and mailed them to almost 100 of Jack's
closest family members and friends. Jack's commitment
was apparent to more than just his family - the letter
resulted in a fund of over $10,000 and became the base
for the Friends and Family of Jack Jefferson Research
Endowment Fund.
Jack
was overwhelmed when his children and grandchildren presented
him with a birthday card containing the names of dozens
of donors to the newly formed fund. Laura best sums up
the feelings of Jack's family and friends, "It felt
so great to find a gift that celebrates what Dad's life
has been about."
Jack
designated the fund to Alzheimer's disease research. He
and his wife, Nancy, chose to add the proceeds from their
previous gift of life insurance to the fund. Today the
fund continues to grow through Jack's ongoing generosity
and that of his family, friends and business acquaintances.
[excerpted
from Fall 1995 and Fall 1998 Reflections, Alzheimer
Society of Canada]
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