Posted: December 4, 2014
Remembering Erika Rimkus
An endowment fund benefiting Ottawa Riverkeeper within the Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO) in memory of Erika Rimkus.
Ottawa Riverkeeper Past President David Spence and his wife Helen Hirsh Spence have generously established an endowment fund benefiting Ottawa Riverkeeper within the Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO) in memory of their dear friend Erika Rimkus, a warm and caring individual with a sparkling smile and personality to match.
“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 and try to protect it, and wanted to raise awareness of its importance when she met an untimely and early death.”
The CFO-managed Erika Rimkus – Ottawa Riverkeeper Fund / Fonds Erika Rimkus – Sentinelle Outaouais will help Ottawa Riverkeeper become more financially stable and sustainable into the future, says Manager of Partnerships and Donor Relations Ruth McKlusky. “A variety of giving options are available to donors including gifts of cash, stock, bequests and life insurance. Knowing people prefer giving their money to charity instead of paying the government taxes, we encourage donors to explore planned giving options and help protect the Ottawa River we all love.”
To honor Erika, who loved the river passionately, we have created The Erika Rimkus Circle. Any donor who includes Ottawa Riverkeeper in their estate plans will automatially be extended membership in the new Erika Rimkus Circle. For more information about our planned giving options, please contact Ruth McKlusky at 613.321.1120.
Donate to the Erika Rimkus – Ottawa Riverkeeper Endowment Fund
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