The Gift Planning team congratulates Johnny for winning the Community Leadership Award, presented on November 14, 2007 at the first annual Pillar Community Innovation Awards gala. Congratulations, Johnny!
Pillar Nonprofit Network is a community-owned and driven organization created to promote and unite the voluntary sector.
Q: How long have you been an advisor in this area?
A: I have been practicing in the field of financial service for over 15 years. In 2002, I established a private practice in London, Ontario (my NEWStown) and at that time resolved to specialize in planned gift Planning.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: I became aware of the concept of planned gift planning in 1999 while sitting on the board of Vancouver s Friends for Life Society. Since 2002, I have been helping people create planned gifts. I often initiate these discussions by asking my clients which charity or charities they will care to include among the beneficiaries to their estates.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: I have attended three national CAGP conferences, and approximately 25 local CAGP professional development workshops since March 2003. If a designation was available, I would pursue one.
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: I abide by the CAGP code of ethics. The Social Investment Organization does not have a code of ethics, yet, but it was a topic of discussion at our recent conference.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: Yes, I have acquired a permanent life insurance policy exclusively for the purpose of designating charities as the beneficiaries to the death benefit. The McIntosh Gallery at Western and King s University College Foundation are two such charities named as beneficiaries to this policy. Each charity that I chose has made a direct impact on my life or to the lives of people who I hold dear to me. Outside of this vehicle, the residual of my estate will be split based on instructions in my will.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: First and foremost, I believe you need love, not wealth, to be a philanthropist. Gift planning is a cost-effective way for people to make a substantial future gift at an affordable current cost. It may also be a means to honour a loved one in perpetuity. There are many vehicles available to suit each prospective donor. Some financial instruments are more appropriate at earlier stages in life than at later stages. Your advisor should be able to help you choose an option that is the best fit for you.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: From 1997 through 2007, I held continuous director positions on multiple boards and/or served on board committees. Since 2005, the majority of my volunteer work has occurred behind the scenes as a volunteer fundraising consultant to a number of non-profit organizations and charities.
Johnny has been in the news!
Insurance Journal: "Advisors must prepare now to meet growing demand for socially responsible investments"
Insurance Journal: "Advisor helps client create a legacy"
