Stefano’s Stories: Giving Today for the Children of Tomorrow

May 2025

Each May, we recognize Leave a Legacy Month. This is a time to reflect on the values we hold dear and the impact we can make on future generations. At the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba we are incredibly grateful for the individuals and families who choose to include the Foundation in their estate plans through a legacy gift.

Legacy giving supports specialized services at HSC Children’s Hospital and fuels vital pediatric research at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM).

“I’m personally moved by these thoughtful and generous gifts.”

Whether a bequest in a will, a life insurance policy, or a gift of securities — these are powerful ways to ensure that the health care needs of children in Manitoba continue to be met for years to come.

By choosing to leave a legacy, donors become part of something bigger than themselves — they help advance innovation, improve care and create lasting change for children and families throughout Manitoba, Nunavut and Northwestern Ontario.

While we often think of legacy giving as something reserved for later in life, the truth is that anyone can make this kind of impact — no matter their age or financial circumstances. Legacy gifts come in many forms and can be tailored to your unique goals and values. Whether it’s naming the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba in your will, designating retirement savings, or creating an endowment fund, each gift plays an important role in sustaining and growing pediatric health care.

To understand how legacy giving changes lives, consider the story of Jack Snarr, a vibrant and energetic child living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

Jack’s family received his CF diagnosis when he was just a few weeks old. It was a difficult and emotional time, filled with uncertainty but thanks to advances in pediatric research — supported by donors — Jack was able to access a groundbreaking pharmaceutical treatment in 2022.

“Jack’s actually seeing improvements when previously his condition was believed to be regressive,” says his mom, Marilyn.

“That’s only possible because of research, and research is only possible because people choose to give.”

Jack’s journey is just one of many that highlight the importance of long-term investment in children’s health. Legacy donors help ensure these advancements can continue so that future generations of kids can benefit from stronger treatments, better equipment, and more answers.

By making a legacy gift, you join a compassionate and forward-thinking group of supporters who are part of the Annie A. Bond Legacy Circle, named after the nurse who opened Manitoba’s first children’s hospital in 1909. These donors are ensuring that the work started more than a century ago continues and remains stronger than ever.

This May, I invite you to explore what a legacy gift could look like for you. It’s an opportunity to make a statement about what you value, to share your vision with your loved ones, and to support care that touches every corner of our community.

You can leave a Legacy Gift here or learn more about leaving a bequest or legacy gift to Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, email info@goodbear.ca.