The Support Network - Capital Campaign

Why an endowment?

People often prefer to donate to endowment funds because their gifts are pooled and permanently invested. The original gift remains intact forever. A portion of the investment income is available every year to support our programs, while the balance is re-invested to ensure continued growth. Donors can add to the endowment fund at any time.

As our endowment grows, so does our future.

Reasons for including an endowment fund in YOUR short and long term plans

To support a cause that you care deeply about, now and forever
To watch your gift at work-making a real difference to the people in the community
To enjoy the satisfaction of giving more to charitable causes and less to taxes
To enjoy the satisfaction of planning your gifts

How do I get involved?

You can get involved by giving direct gifts, deferred gifts, by naming your own endowment fund, or by participating in an event.

Direct Gifts

A cash gift goes directly into the endowment fund and starts earning income immediately.
A cash gift can be pledged over 2 or 3 years.
Appreciated stocks can be transferred to the organization.
You may want to give a matching gift ... match an amount pledged by others.
You may want to give a group gift ... .alumni, service club, workplace fundraiser.

Deferred Gifts

A bequest in your will can be a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.
An insurance policy can name The Support Network Foundation as a beneficiary.
Gifts can be planned annually to the fund, or in memory of a loved one.

Named Endowment Fund

With a gift or gifts that total $10,000 or more you can create a named endowment fund within the larger fund.

Why create a named endowment fund?

You are investing in The Support Network, your way, today and for the future.
Your generosity can be recognized by placing your name on the fund.
You may wish to honour a loved one by naming your fund in memory or celebration of that person.
You can encourage or develop a family tradition of caring by naming your fund for your family.
You may wish to encourage others to add to the fund in celebration of events such as birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions or memorials.
You need not be wealthy to make a positive contribution to The Support Network! Planning your gifts can make a dramatic difference to the future of the organization, enabling us to continue connecting those in need to the heart of your community.

Foundation Events

You can participate in or sponsor one of our events:

Bear Mountain Golf Event.

These are gifts that keep on giving--a legacy of hope for people in distress.

Donate by mail

Donate by phone

Donate Online

Sidney's Story

Eight years ago, I was not sure life was worth living. I got a call from my older brother telling me that our younger brother had shot himself. At that moment, my soul shattered and my life was forever changed. How could someone who had so much to live for think his only option was suicide?

I later learned that his dreams of being a doctor had been crushed when he did not pass one of his entrance exams. How could we not know? Why couldn't I have prevented this from happening?

I went through torture trying to find answers to my questions, and an outlet for my overwhelming pain. I started working long hours and drinking a lot. Then, my partner left me and my life fell apart.

One night, after working late, I was taking the bus home. I was exhausted and just felt like life was a burden. I was staring at the ads in the bus, and one seemed to stare right back at me. It was for The Support Network's Distress Line. To this day, I don't know what made me write that number on my hand.

I got home and kept peering at the phone. After what seemed hours, I picked it up and called 482-HELP. I was terrified. What if the person who answered thought I was crazy? I was afraid of being judged.

To my surprise, neither of those things happened. The listener encouraged me to talk about what was bothering me, even talk about my brother's suicide. Most people don't want to hear that story. They encouraged me to come and talk to someone at their Suicide Bereavement Program. I was nervous about doing that. But I did.

It was not what I expected. I met others who had lost family members or friends to suicide. We shared similar stories and feelings. We drew strength and courage from each other and got our lives back on track. We became friends.

Today, I have learned to balance my life, I am married and have two kids. We are all doing well. I am able to do this because The Support Network helped me in my darkest hour.

Helping The Support Network to achieve its goals is helping real people stay alive-like me.

Page last updated on January 9, 2007