A well-known yet discreet family in the Ruisseau Jackson watershed thought of the perfect birthday gift!
Summer 2017 was the time to celebrate an important milestone for this group, which is very attached to the region. As the family was planning a reception party for the joint birthdays of a couple in their eighties, the idea of asking for donations to Ruisseau Jackson Natural Protected Area (RJANP) in lieu of gifts quickly became a reality.
The joint birthday party was held in August on the shores of Lake Echo and, at the family’s suggestion, many guests donated to RJANP instead of sending flowers or gifts. Cheques were sent directly to the fund established by the Municipality of Morin-Heights, and all donations were fully tax deductible. The family’s hope is that the initiative spurs others to do the same.
A family member who wished to remain anonymous explains the motivation behind the idea: “The family’s most cherished memories of living in the region are closely linked to the beautiful natural landscape that surrounds our property. In particular, we know that the couple we were going to celebrate have many very fond memories of holidays spent by the lake and by its main source of water: the river. As kids, we used to paddle or swim up and down the river with them. Knowing that the river can be protected against development by a collective movement such as the one spearheaded by RJANP is already a great relief to a couple who, in late life, still enjoy the pristine natural habitats of the region.”
“Birthday presents” to a worthy cause
Simon Parent, Treasurer of RJANP, welcomed the donations and thanked the family for their generosity. He invites anyone interested in following suit to contact RJANP directly. “Donations in the name of a friend or family member, especially those who know and love the area around the river, can be an original, meaningful gift,” said Simon Parent.
He also mentioned that donations are accepted until late November despite the end of RJANP’s annual fundraising campaign. “This could be the perfect Christmas gift,” added the treasurer. “We tend to accumulate a lot of stuff so, instead of giving presents, making a donation to a shared ideal—one that translates into tangible actions—can be quite rewarding.”
A generous alternative to presents
Anyone celebrating a birthday soon? Are you considering a donation in lieu of a present? You can tailor your gift to someone’s specific interests. This is often referred to as making a donation in honour of someone. So why not help an organization that supports that person’s hopes and values?
Donations to Ruisseau Jackson are fully tax deductible and can be publicised within the community with the help of our team. Also, for large donations in lieu of gifts, RJANP can pay an official tribute to your idea.
