A Legacy Gift from the Heart

This is the story of bright lights, a generous woman and her legacy.

Betty Bonnington was born in rural Saskatchewan in 1927.  She moved to Toronto in 1952 to live near her future husband, Ken Bonnington.  Soon afterward, Betty and Ken married and in 1957 moved to West Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ken’s job in international collections created a comfortable lifestyle for the couple for more than 45 years.  Sadly, Ken passed away in 2002.

Ken and Betty, who had no children of their own, shared an interesting life with extended family that included a brother, sister, three nieces, five nephews, and many friends.  In her will, Betty left 32 gifts for family and friends and four gifts for charities, including The Salvation Army.  She had a heart for the Army, in part because her brother, Tom, and his wife were members of a Salvation Army Church and kept Betty informed on social services and vital programs that we provided to assist individuals needing support in her community.

When Betty died in 2013, her gift to The Salvation Army was divided into three separate donations.  The first was an undesignated gift applied to our programs where the need was greatest.  The second was designated to our programs on BC’s Sunshine Coast to help purchase a new building.

With the encouragement of her Executor, the third allocation of her estate gift was used to replace two dilapidated outdoor signs at our facility in North Vancouver.  Today the illuminated signs shine brightly on the busy corner of Lonsdale Avenue and 12th Street.

The signs are a beacon of hope in the neighborhood as those in need of assistance know where to turn for support.

When Betty planned her estate eight years ago she could not have foreseen the remarkable impact that her legacy would leave. Certainly her generous gift has given hope and illuminated the lives of many in our community.

You can find out more information about Legacy Giving at salvationarmy.ca. Together we are giving hope today … and everyday.