Ann Atkinson remembers sitting in a darkened movie theatre at just five years old, intently watching the grainy, black-and-white newsreels of refugees fleeing Poland and Czechoslovakia in the aftermath of the Second World War.
“I didn’t know what I was seeing until later.”
The long lines of grim-faced people, many carrying their meagre worldly possessions on their backs, had a far-reaching impact on her. Today she is a dedicated UNHCR donor. Ann has also put a gift to support refugees in the future, in her will.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1950 to help Europeans displaced by the conflict of the Second World War. UNHCR was only supposed to last three years. Seventy years later, tens of millions of people remain displaced worldwide. We remain the leading organization charged with protecting refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
Learning about Africa inspired her donations
Ann is highly sensitive to inequalities in the world. After retiring from a 35-year career in information technology, she began taking courses at the University of Toronto, earning a second bachelor’s degree in French literature, and taking courses on political theory and African studies.
“I learned something about Africa,” she explains. “This connected me to my donations, which have targeted the Central African Republic.”
Ann believes that despite the geographical distance from regions that need our help, we are all connected.
“I began to learn that we are all [living] in one world. The other countries are not the ‘other.’ They are ‘we’ and we are all together.”
Acutely aware of her good fortune, Ann sits in her kitchen every morning, raising a toast with her hot cup of coffee to all of her blessings. “I am thankful for what I have. It was my good luck to be born in North America. It’s not that easy to improve your lot in many other places.”
Our work has never been more important or relevant. There is little sign today of the tide of displacement ebbing. In fact, over the past two decades the number of displaced people has doubled. Large-scale conflicts remain unresolved and new ones force more people to flee. Climate change and environmental factors are having a growing impact.
Today, there are 82.4 million people who are globally displaced in more than 130 countries due to violence, conflict and persecution. The number of resettlement places has dropped in spite of soaring needs. There are more people under UNCHR protection than at any point since the Second World War.
UNHCR works to ensure that everyone who has fled violence, war, disaster or persecution at home has the right to seek asylum and find refuge. We provide shelter, food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to refugees around the world.
Leaving a legacy gift is not a daunting process
Ann expresses her gratitude in other ways too. She is a veteran foster dog parent, now caring for her nineteenth pooch, a playful pup named Lady. She is involved with other charitable organizations and funds a scholarship on radical political theory at the University of Toronto.
“Leaving a planned gift in your Will is easy and a lot less daunting than people might think”, Ann says. It can reduce the tax burden, and it won’t affect current finances. It also allows you to leave a lasting legacy and hope for the world’s most vulnerable refugees.
Regardless of size, a gift in Will can make a positive difference. It has no impact on your current assets, cash flow or your lifestyle today, while offering relief, protection and hope for refugees and displaced people in the future.
Having an up-to-date Will is important for everyone, regardless of assets or life stage. It is the best way to ensure that your wishes will be carried out and that your loved ones will be cared for.
Experts recommend that, after discussing your wishes with your loved ones, you should consult with your financial planner and/or lawyer. The result is well worth it: “Do it because it will make you feel good about yourself,” Ann says. “It’s a really good feeling.”
For more information on how your gift can make a significant difference for the future of displaced people around the world, please contact Kudzai Riva, Director of Planned Giving, at rivak@unhcr.org or call us at 416-926-7974.
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