Legacy Gift Dedicates $270,000 to Creston Hospital

Submitted by EKFH on 01-11-2010

Cranbrook, BC… The majority of Canadians contribute to charitable organizations throughout their lives in some way or another.  Few individuals or families, however, do it in a planned, well-thought-out manner.

A legacy gift is a living, active reminder of individuals and families who care about their communities and support causes that were important to them.  Through a bequest in a will or other planned giving methods, donors can invest in organizations that make a difference in their lives and communities.  

This is exactly what Dariel & Don Korczynski put in place so that the Creston Valley Hospital will benefit long after their passing.  This past month East Kootenay Foundation for Health was informed that it would take on the stewardship of $270,000 thanks to the amazing forethought of the Korczynskis. 

Dr. Donald Korczynski was a dentist in Calgary with his wife Dariel as his assistant.  They retired to the Creston Valley in 1986 and fell in love with the community and the lifestyle.  As hockey fans, Don & Dariel could be found in the same seats every Thunder and Thunder Cats game in Creston.  It would have been a very rare occurrence that the coach and team didn’t look up into the stands at an away game and not see Don and Dariel cheering!  They drove to every away game, because their love of animals also meant they always had one or two four-legged friends who wanted to travel with them.  They adopted dogs from PAWS and SPCA, treating their animals as family members, loving and caring for them, healing them with their care and affection.

Both of them were amazing crafts people, Dariel was a certified watch and clock repair person; as well as a talented sewer and designer.  Don took his fine motor skills as a dentist and created wonderful wood art and was a model airplane builder and flyer.  Anyone who’s had the chance to visit the Royal Canadian Legions in Creston and Grand Forks can see the beautiful hanging model airplanes lovingly built by Don.  These planes are fully operational with motors and pilots.

In January 2009, Dariel was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  As she faced her life – so she also faced this – with dignity.  By March Don was in a lot of pain and without finding out what was the matter, Don passed away in August 2009 at the age of 74.  Dariel had great friends who cared for her and spent time with her, until she passed away peacefully in December at her home with caring friends Dean & Kathy Tompkins at her side.  Both Don and Dariel wanted to leave a legacy and put plans in place to have their estate to be shared locally with the charities they designated.

Choosing to leave a gift from the heart brings meaning, dignity and purpose to a life well lived. It is an opportunity to participate in the charitable and community work most meaningful to you, in a way that allows these important causes to be well supported now and long after you have gone. 

East Kootenay Foundation for Health is honoured to take the trust of the Korczynski Estate and to manage their legacy gift for the betterment of health care at the Creston Valley Hospital.  EKFH is working closely with Interior Health to determine the project of greatest need to ensure the couple’s wishes are met.   

East Kootenay Foundation for Health is honoured to take the trust of the Korczynski Estate and to manage their legacy gift for the betterment of health care at the Creston Valley Hospital.  EKFH is working closely with Interior Health to determine the project of greatest need to ensure the couple’s wishes are met.   

How to get started in leaving a planned gift?  Think about the charitable organization/s or cause you would most like to help.  Maybe you or someone you know has benefited from the service of a particular organization.  Maybe you’re an active volunteer or believe in the mission and values of a specific group.  You might want to leave a gift in memory of a loved one for a certain use. 

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the future of your favourite charitable organization, you can often achieve significant tax and estate planning benefits.  There are a number of options available.  Your professional advisors can help you decide which option(s) will work best for you and your family. 

EKFH is a standing member with the Certified Association of Gift Planners and the Leave a Legacy ™ program.  For more information please visit www.ekfh.ca or www.leavealegacy.ca.