NEWS RELEASE
VOLUNTEER LEAVES A LEGACY TO ABKHAZI GARDEN
$100,000 endowment fund created for Abkhazi Garden in honour of late TLC volunteer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2017
Victoria, BC – When asked why he donated to The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC), Jack Eldridge said that he wanted to do whatever he could to protect the natural world for the benefit of his family and others.
The late Jack Eldridge volunteering at Abkhazi Garden in Victoria. Photo credit Dennis Robinson.
A TLC Member for more than 18 years, Jack was a hands-on volunteer at many of the land trust’s sites, but no site saw more of Jack’s passion and care than Abkhazi Garden in Victoria. Jack lovingly cared for the garden weekly, alongside his team of committed volunteers, in an effort to keep this haven for gardeners accessible for the public to enjoy. Sadly Jack passed away in October at the age of 85.
To commemorate his legacy, TLC has created the Jack Eldridge Memorial Fund for Abkhazi Garden from the generous bequest Jack thoughtfully left the organization.
“The Board and I are honoured to announce the creation of the Jack Eldridge Memorial Fund for Abkhazi Garden with an initial investment of $100,000,” said Cathy Armstrong, TLC Executive Director. “Now mortgage free, the future of the garden is more secure than ever before. Jack’s passion to see Abkhazi Garden protected for the community to enjoy will remain a lasting legacy.”
Donors can make tax-deductible contributions to the Jack Eldridge Memorial Fund for Abkhazi Garden by giving directly to the Victoria Foundation, donating to TLC or designating a gift to TLC in their estate planning.
Located at 1964 Fairfield Road, Abkhazi Garden will host a community open house on Saturday, April 1st from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the beginning of the 2017 season. Open daily throughout the spring and summer seasons, admission to the garden is by donation.
About The Land Conservancy of BC:
The Land Conservancy of BC (TLC) is a non-profit, charitable Land Trust working throughout British Columbia. TLC’s primary mandate is to benefit the community by protecting habitat for natural communities of plants and animals. Founded in 1997, TLC is membership-based and governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Directors. TLC relies on a strong membership and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.
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Media contact
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Office: (250) 479-8053
Cell: (250) 588-4945
