British Columbians have a special way to leave a legacy for future generations through BC Parks' Planned Giving program.

The Planned Giving program provides a simple way for interested British Columbians to include provincial parks in their estate planning and makes gifting cash, financial securities or land easy.

Donors identify a cause close to their hearts, making the donation a personal legacy for future generations of park visitors to enjoy. Examples include trail development, education programs or support for conservation efforts in specific parks.

For instance, one BC Parks' donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, has decided he wants to leave part of his legacy in Garibaldi Provincial Park. First introduced to the park in 1966, he still visits it every few years. In the case of this generous individual, he has donated over $200,000 in financial securities over three years that will be used to upgrade the Mamquam Lake trail and install foot bridges. This project will be completed and ready for park visitors to enjoy this summer.

Although BC Parks is a government organization, a special account was created in 2008, separate from the provincial government's revenue fund, called the Park Enhancement Fund. The Park Enhancement Fund is a transparent account where individuals and businesses can make donations - small or large - to specific parks and/or specific projects that enhance our provincial parks or the services offered in them, like the Mamquam Lake trail upgrade. Donating money through BC Parks' Planned Giving program reduces the tax and capital gains burden for individuals and donations of $25 or more are eligible for an official tax receipt.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"British Columbia's provincial parks are some of our most treasured spaces. Interested British Columbians have the opportunity to have their legacy live on through generous contributions to BC Parks' Planned Giving program. A planned gift is a thoughtful and lasting way to demonstrate a true commitment to our parks and protected areas."

Quick Facts:

• BC Parks has received numerous bequests (gifts in wills) and donations of money and land over the years.

• In 2008, BC Parks established the Park Enhancement Fund, a special account to store the value of gifts, enhancing tax incentives for individuals donating to BC Parks.

• You can support children's programs in BC Parks through the "Text 2 Donate" program. By texting "BCPARKS" to 45678 you can donate $5 dollars. The donation will be added to your next cellphone bill and 100 per cent of every donation will be spent on children's programs.

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.'s provincial parks, please visit: www.bcparks.ca

For more information about BC Parks' Planned Giving program, please visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/partnerships/planned-giving.

Share memories of your favourite park with BC Park's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834