Where Does a Planned Gift Actually Go?

When people think about planned giving, one question often comes up:

Where does the gift actually go?

The answer is simple:
Right here in our community.

A planned gift helps ensure that programs supporting children and families continue—not just today, but for years to come. It creates long-term stability so young people can access mentorship, academic support, opportunities, and encouragement at the moments they need it most.

And for students like Bosun and Sindy, that kind of consistent support can change everything.

Support That Lasts

When Bosun joined On Track to Success in Grade 11 after moving to Canada from Nigeria, she was navigating a difficult transition. She was adjusting to a new country, a new school system, bullying, and the uncertainty that comes with trying to find your place.

What she found through On Track and Ujima was something she hadn’t expected: community.

“Getting into the program gave me a sense of community,” Bosun shared. “It was a space where people understood me.”

That support extended far beyond academics. Her Success Coach helped her access tutoring, mentorship, groceries when times were difficult, and even support obtaining her driver’s license—something her family wasn’t able to provide at the time.

Most importantly, there was consistency. Someone showed up, listened, encouraged her, and helped her believe she could succeed.

Today, Bosun is completing her fourth year of university and plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work so she can support immigrants and young adults navigating systems and transitions—just as she once did herself.

“My whole life speaks for itself,” she said. “The groceries. The driver’s license. The mentors. The events. All of that happened because people donated.”

Growing With Support

For Sindy, the journey started even earlier.

She joined the very first On Track to Success cohort as a Grade 9 student in 2015. At the time, she was shy, unsure of herself, and nervous about starting high school.

But year after year, she had the same Success Coach beside her.

“At the time, as a teenager, you’re like, ‘Oh, this guy is telling me to do my homework,’” she laughed. “But when you grow up, you realize—there was someone there for you. Someone you could trust.”

That steady support helped Sindy navigate high school, apply to college, and eventually discover a career path she genuinely loves.

Today, after participating in the Employment Mentorship Program with Kingsville Fire, Sindy hopes to become a Fire Prevention Officer—helping keep her community safe before emergencies happen.

She knows firsthand how important donor support was along the way.

From school supplies and textbooks to opportunities she otherwise couldn’t afford, donor generosity helped remove barriers that could have easily stopped her momentum.

“It takes weight off your shoulders,” she said. “And that makes all the difference.”

Why Planned Giving Matters

Stories like Bosun’s and Sindy’s don’t happen overnight.

Real change takes time, consistency, and long-term investment.

That’s why planned giving matters.

Through United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent’s Cradle to Career strategy, children and youth are supported at critical stages of life—from early years through education, mentorship, post-secondary pathways, and employment opportunities.

Planned gifts help ensure that work can continue for future generations.

A legacy gift isn’t just about funding programs. It’s about helping young people feel supported, capable, connected, and hopeful about what comes next.

It’s about making sure there is someone there to help guide them forward.

Your Legacy Can Help Shape the Future

Planned giving is a simple way to make a future gift that reflects the values and impact you want to leave behind.

And while the gift may happen in the future, the impact can last for generations.

Because when you invest in young people today, you help create stronger futures for all of us tomorrow.


See the impact for yourself
Read Bosun and Sindy’s full stories and learn more about how planned giving helps support long-term change in our community.