Leaving a gift in your will to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a beautiful way to help make a difference in the world for years to come. This was the hope of one of MSF’s donors, Jacolyn (Jacki) McCabe, whose wish was that her legacy would have a lasting impact beyond her lifetime.
Born in Renfrew, Ontario, Jacki enjoyed travelling and did over 90 trips with her husband and girlfriends. These trips played a major role in shaping her values and inspiring her to help make a difference in the world. We met with Kristine Hebert, a close friend and executor of Jacki’s estate, who shared with us more about Jacki’s life and what inspired her to give to MSF.
“Jacki visited many places that were subject to poverty and reeling from the aftermaths of conflict,” says Kristine. “In addition, raised by parents who went through war themselves, stories of people affected by extreme violence resonated with her. She cared deeply for people and wanted to help make an impact on the lives of those in need.”
Jacki was a dedicated, loyal supporter to MSF for over 23 years. She also left us one of the most special kinds of gifts: a gift in her will. Like us, Jacki believed everyone should have access to essential medical care.
According to Kristine, “Jacki was thoughtful about her donations. Before she passed, she made sure everything she cared about was left with something that would help make a lasting impact even after her lifetime.”
For Jacki, this meant giving a gift in her will to 10 different charities, including MSF. “There was a sense of trust she had that you [MSF] provide support where it’s needed most,” says Kristine. “She just wanted her donations to help alleviate people’s suffering and make their lives better. In fact, MSF is one of the first organizations she chose to give to.”
“Just do it [DONATE]. There are so many people who need assistance and support
and, sometimes, just a reminder that they are not alone.”
“If there’s any message Jacki would have wanted to share with anyone considering leaving a gift in their will or any other way, it would be to just do it,” says Kristine. “There are so many people who need assistance and support and, sometimes, just a reminder that they are not alone.”
We hope Jacki’s gift will act as a reminder to all of us of the power of a legacy gift.
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will like Jacki, please reach out to Yasmin Drakes by phone: 1-800-982-7903 or email at yasmin.drakes@toronto.msf.org.
