NEWS RELEASE
WHAT DO KNITTED SOCKS HAVE TO DO WITH TLC’S LATEST LEGACY GIFT?
The Land Conservancy receives $385,000 bequest gift
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2019
Victoria, B.C. – Long-time TLC supporter Maila Lehto loved the outdoors, gardening and long walks with her dog, Toto. Maila worked hard all her life and this work ethic continued well into her senior years. In 2007, Maila came up with an idea for a fundraiser – knitting “Karma Socks” – which were sold to support TLC. These cozy, handmade socks warmed many pairs of chilly feet and TLC was grateful to be the recipient of her creative generosity!
This year TLC was honoured to be the beneficiary of a substantial bequest from Maila’s estate. Maila’s foresight and vision will have a significant and enduring impact for TLC, increasing the scope of the organization’s work, and allowing the charity to protect more of the landscapes that meant so much to her.
“As Maila’s story demonstrates, we are strongest when we work together. At TLC we are grateful for every gift we receive, no matter the size, because we know, collectively, these gifts make a big difference,” said Lisa Cross, TLC Donor Relations Manager and Grants Coordinator. “This year, in addition to Maila’s bequest, TLC is grateful to be supported by several gifts from legacy donors throughout this beautiful province. TLC legacy donors have shown they care about the long-term survival of wilderness and wild communities.”
Everyone has their own reasons to support TLC through legacy gifts but the love of nature from which they stem is often rooted in childhood discoveries. Whether it was a camping trip with your family, or watching tadpoles transform into frogs in a local pond, these early experiences germinate into a life-long love of the natural world. By planning ahead, donors can preserve natural spaces – ensuring tomorrow’s children are able to experience these magical moments too.
Maila Lehto, and all of TLC’s legacy donors, share a bond with nature and want to leave this world a greener, wilder place. Planned giving does more than protect land and vital ecosystems; by including The Land Conservancy of B.C. in their estate planning, donors are inspiring the next generation of naturalists to care for this precious planet through TLC’s knowledge sharing and educational programs.
“Together TLC members and donors have protected an acreage in Central Saanich with a new conservation covenant, purchased property in the Clearwater River Valley to save a wildlife corridor, launched an educational program, and ended the fiscal year with a significant surplus,” said Frances Sloan Sainas, TLC Board Chair. “On behalf of TLC’s Board of Directors, thank you for your generosity and continued support of our land trust.”
Maila Lehto envisioned a future where wild spaces remain protected. To discuss what your green legacy will be and how to include TLC in your estate planning contact TLC’s Executive Director Cathy Armstrong at 1-877-485-2422 or admin@conservancy.bc.ca.
About The Land Conservancy of B.C.
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, donor and volunteer base to help maintain its operations.
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Media contact:
Cathy Armstrong
TLC Executive Director
Office (250) 479-8053
