What’s Your Why?

Making a gift to charity is a personal decision. We give to causes that are close to our hearts. The organizations we support and why we choose to make a charitable gift are as unique as our fingerprints.

In 2019, my friend, Kristi Wells’ mother, Barbara (Barb), passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Barb was a proud member of the Carleton community for over 47 years. I knew Barb personally and professionally — she was a wonderful woman. After she passed, I wanted to support the family and recognize Barb.

I decided the best way to honour Barb’s memory would be by setting up a recurring monthly gift to the Barbara Wells Bursary at Carleton University. Kristi established the memorial award to support students in the Enriched Support Program and the Indigenous Enriched Support Program.

This is my “why”.

Listening and learning about why someone has decided to donate to Carleton University is the best part of my job. Sometimes, a pivotal moment or a core memory shapes a person’s reason for giving.

For one donor, her “why” was shaped on the # 7 bus.

She was a recently divorced mother without a career plan. Not long before Christmas, she bumped into a friend from elementary school while riding the bus back home. Her friend talked about her Ph.D. and new job and then asked what she was doing. The bus had just arrived at Carleton and, totally surprising herself, said she was going to university. She got off the bus and entered the administration building, where everyone was incredibly helpful and explained she could register as a mature student.

Next, she found her way into the MacOdrum Library and was blown away. Walking through the stacks, she knew this was meant to be. Standing amongst the books was her “pivotal moment,” and she never once regretted stepping off that bus.

Some people make a gift in honour of a loved one or decide to give back to the school that shaped their lives. Others want to provide financial aid to students — giving them a leg up to succeed.

Was there a pivotal experience that influenced your decision to support Carleton University? We’d love to hear your story and learn what inspired your generosity. Share your “why” at plannedgiving@carleton.ca.