Robert Strachan (BA'70)Q: How long have you been an advisor in this field?
A: I spent a good number of years with Canada Trust in Toronto, Oakville, Ottawa, London and Kitchener involved in various community initiatives. In 1995 I joined BMO Nesbitt Burns and have been active in incorporating a philanthropic planning component in our message.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: Yes...directly for 12 years and in a broader sense for many more.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: Through experience and professional development, I have developed thorough knowledge of gift planning options for clients and donors. I am a frequent speaker on various investment, financial and philanthropic topics to constituents of the not-for-profit and charitable sectors in Canada. I am currently Chair of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) Ottawa Roundtable.
Q. What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: The CAGP ethical code is a good start, but really this is all about "Doing Good to do Well" as an ethical model. I've grown up with this model in over 30 years in the financial services industry...it's a hallmark of how we should all position ourselves in terms of helping clients understand the not-for-profit marketplace.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: With a number of organizations, both in terms of present and deferred gifts, but nothing in a deferred program with Western at this stage.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: "Doing good to do well" has become an important part of my personal and business life. I take a broad view of what philanthropy means to us and incorporates our "time, talent and treasury". "Gift planning" often takes on an industry label of "deferred gift". I tend to take a broader view that would also include major gifts or sustaining lifetime gifts as well.
Q. How are you involved in your community?
A: For many years an active supporter of the charitable sector, I have served with the United Ways of London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Ottawa; the Community Foundations of Kitchener-Waterloo and Ottawa; the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; the Ottawa Hospital Foundation; Alma College, St. Thomas and Elmwood School, Ottawa.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners – locally and/or nationally? If so, for how long? If not, would you like more information about this organization?
A: Since 1997...Chair of CAGP Ottawa Round Table since 2006.
