Give to Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Endowment Fund

If you love the Ottawa River and its many tributaries, you may be thinking about how you can make a lasting impact on its ecological health. You may have children or grandchildren and want to make sure the river, lake or creek you cherish is protected far into the future.

At Ottawa Riverkeeper, we also believe in protecting the river for future generations. Our endowment fund is a way for you to make a lasting impact on the health of the Ottawa River and its ecosystems. By contributing to this fund, you are helping secure the long-term sustainability of our work and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from this vital freshwater gem.

Ottawa Riverkeeper’s endowment fund was originally established by David Spence, past president of Ottawa Riverkeeper, and his wife Helen Hirsh Spence, in memory of their dear friend Erika Rimkus.

“Erika’s high regard for education and continuous learning was only rivaled by her genuine wonder and appreciation of nature, especially water,” says Helen Hirsh Spence. “Erika only came to Ottawa later in life after a 35-year career dedicated to improving education and leadership in the greater Toronto region. Her love of the outdoors was evidenced in her daily walks along the Ottawa River, and the time spent at her friends’ cottage on the River. She marveled at the river’s beauty, railed against the politicians who didn’t understand its significance, tried to protect it, and wanted to raise awareness of its importance when she met an untimely and early death.”

This endowment fund is held at the Ottawa Community Foundation. To contribute to the fund please contact donations@ottawariverkeeper.ca to discuss your gift.

Why Give to the Endowment Fund?

• Sustainable Support: Your gift to the Erika Rimkus endowment fund provides a reliable, ongoing source of funding that helps us plan and implement long-term projects to protect the Ottawa River and its tributaries.
• A Legacy of Protection: Contributions to the endowment fund are an investment in the future of the river, supporting efforts such as scientific monitoring, environmental education, and advocacy for clean, healthy water.
• Long-Term Impact: The endowment fund is designed to grow over time, allowing your gift to make a lasting difference, even beyond your lifetime.

Ways to Contribute

There are many ways to contribute to the endowment fund and every contribution, no matter the size, helps strengthen the river’s future.

• One-Time Gift: Make a single donation to the Endowment Fund to create lasting change.
• Gifts of securities: Donating appreciated securities allows you to eliminate capital gains tax and receive an immediate tax receipt for the market value of the securities.
• Planned Giving: Include Ottawa Riverkeeper in your will or estate plans, ensuring that your legacy continues to protect the river for years to come.

Your gift to the endowment fund will help ensure the Ottawa River is protected for generations to come. Together, we can ensure the river remains healthy and vibrant.