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To leave
a future you will not see
The word legacy means
little to the young – but perhaps that is the way it
should be. When we were young, our lives lay before
us. We chose our paths, took on our challenges, savoured
our  victories
and suffered our defeats.
It’s later in life
when our legacies take on their importance. A desire
to leave a legacy is a desire to know that one’s life
has had true meaning. That the living of one’s life
has contributed in some small way to the betterment
of the world. That living one’s life has improved life
for those who follow, and continues to do so. It is
a natural and noble desire.
The Greatest
Canadian
 We
all know and celebrate the life and legacy of Tommy
Douglas – the little prairie preacher and amateur boxer
who became for millions of Canadians the best-loved
political leader this country has ever known.
With unparalleled courage
and passion, Tommy brought socialized medical care to
Saskatchewan – and later led the fight that made Medicare
Canada’s most prized national institution. Indeed, no
other people in the world takes such pride in its healthcare
system. This practical demonstration of compassion and
solidarity is the brand of Canadian national identity.
When the CBC ran a
national vote to elect "the Greatest Canadian"
of all time, Tommy was chosen overwhelmingly because
of his passion, his love of humanity and his deep and
abiding commitment to our common cause.
A Great Man
for Canada
 When
admirers of Tommy wanted to start a foundation in his
name, Tommy insisted that it be named jointly for M.J.
Coldwell with whom he had worked closely from 1932 to
build a better Canada for the average person.
Both were elected from
Saskatchewan as MP’s in 1935. In the 1940’s Tommy went
back to lead the Canadian Commonwealth Federation to
power in Saskatchewan while M.J. succeeded J. S. Woodsworth
as leader of the CCF nationally. During the war, M.J.
and his caucus stood up for the rights of Japanese Canadians
and after the war pushed for public programs to make
life better for all Canadians.
The Douglas-Coldwell
Foundation is the living legacy of these two outstanding
leaders.
Our invitation
to you
The Douglas-Coldwell
Foundation gives us all a unique opportunity. It allows
us to lift our heads above the fray and look to the
horizon. To pause and think about the future a generation
from now.
We invite you to join
in keeping the social democratic flame alive by making
a gift to the Douglas-Coldwell Foundation in your will.
Your legacy gift to the DCF will endow our future –
and ensure that young Canadians for generations to come
will see social democracy as a viable and credible choice
for Canadian public life.
Of course, this is
not a decision to be taken lightly or quickly. As you
ponder the footprint you’ll leave on this world, ask
yourself if you don’t want to continue to support the
social democratic beliefs and ideals that are an integral
part of your personal life.
What is our common cause?
 We
humans are unique animals in that we have extensive
memories – and that we harbour such splendid dreams
and hopes for the future.
We on the democratic
left share the same dream. We envision a world in peace.
A world where every citizen is valued and respected.
A world where everyone’s human needs are met – and no
one is left behind. A world where our ingenuity and
knowledge create a prosperity that is shared by all.
A world of freedom.
A world of compassion. A world of undying hope.
This is our dream.
This is our common cause. This, we hope, will be our
legacy – and yours...
 "My
father believed that social democracy needed to be constantly
renewed. The foundation set up at his request and of
which he was first president has encouraged that renewal
in many fields, including Medicare, homelessness, antipoverty
and youth.
Tommy left us a
rich legacy. I would encourage you to consider leaving
the Douglas–Coldwell Foundation a legacy in your will
so that the legacy of Tommy will be there for our grandchildren."
Shirley Douglas
If you have any
questions or need more information please contact
our office.
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