Every day since, Betty and I have shared treasured moments and memories through our love of birds and nature. Betty is a beloved and cherished friend, and I am so pleased to support Nature Canada, a charity we both trust and respect, by giving in Betty’s honour.

Image: Kathryn and Betty

I grew up in Calgary and early memories of the beautiful green lakes, the sound of the rushing glacial streams, the smell of the fresh mountain air punctuated by the evergreens still lingers in my memory. Although observing birds was a frequent pastime from early days, it was a casual one until I met Betty and she loaned me her binoculars. Her keen interest sparked mine, and while I would never become as good a birdwatcher as Betty, she did infect me with the bug. Locally, Betty introduced me to the Mer Bleue Conservation Area, one of her favourite spots, where, as a young mother, she first learned to identify the birds that were common but are no longer seen in the area, whippoorwill, chimney swift, nighthawk, bobolink, bluebird and more. Together, we also planted and cultivated gardens for birds and pollinators. And when we sold that place, I had a sum of money I wanted to invest in support of the environment. I was frustrated that my financial advisor was not coming up with any good ideas. Betty suggested I contact Nature Canada and ask them, and that’s how I started having conversations with Jodi Joy.

Jodi is friendly and helpful. She inspired me to think differently and ask the right questions to ensure I had an investment strategy that aligns with my values. Because I was so pleased with how it all worked out, I am proud to donate today, and also have a gift in my Will. Thanks to Betty’s advice, friendship and support over more than 50 years, I thought it appropriate to thank her in a lasting way. And so, I am making this gift in her honour and memory. It is nice to think that, in some small way, these dollars will assist in the preservation of birds, their habitat and nature in Canada.

Thank you, Kathryn and Betty, for sharing your story. Perhaps, like them, you’ve also been taking stock of your life. What do I stand for? What’s important to me? I’m here to help and you can reach me anytime for a confidential conversation at jjoy@naturecanada.ca or 1 (800) 267-4088 extension 239