“I’ve seen a lot of Ontario from a canoe,” says Brian Bornstein.
Brian’s connection to nature began in his childhood, spending summers at camp and later working as a canoe tripper. When he was a young adult he became an advocate for Temagami, fighting to preserve this beautiful wilderness he had spent so much time in. “Temagami shaped my understanding of the challenges facing Ontario,” he shares.
Brian’s wife Jan also grew up camping and hiking, and shares his passion for the outdoors. The couple has made sustainability a core part of their lives. “We both wanted to expose our kids to nature at an early age. And we’ve tried to live sustainably and reduce our impact in every way we can.” They plant native trees at their cottage in Muskoka each spring and fall to help with reforestation, and even built a pollinator roof on their environmentally-friendly home in Toronto.
“We want to do everything we can to help nature along. These are just some of the ways we can make a difference…another way is through supporting organizations like Ontario Nature.”
Brian has been a fan of Ontario Nature since he was a kid. From protecting endangered species to working with Indigenous communities on the preservation of land, he’s always admired their work. For a long time now, he’s been a dedicated donor and volunteer too.
But his charitable commitments aren’t just a personal act, they’re a family affair. “We’ve always involved our kids in decisions about giving to charities. Giving is uplifting,” Brian says. “Every year we sponsor three youth to attend Ontario Nature’s Youth Summit [a program that lifts up the next generation of environmental leaders]. Our kids are now living in three different countries, so this is something we can do together as a family. It’s a shared experience we’re all proud of.”
When it came time to plan their estate, Brian and Jan knew they wanted to leave a gift in their Will to a number of charities. Naturally, their children were involved in the discussion. “It was easy for us to decide which charities to include in our Wills,” Brian reflects. “We knew we wanted to support those working to protect the environment.”
This is just another example of the Bornsteins doing all they can for nature. And though they won’t be around to see the impact of the gift they’ve left to Ontario Nature, they’ve attended events that have helped them better understand the charity’s work. “I got to know the staff. I have trust in the organization. I believe they operate with integrity and transparency and will continue to be a voice for nature for years to come.” says Brian.
“With this gift, we are helping to ensure that Ontario Nature continues to do all the crucial work they are currently doing. It’s an incredible legacy to leave.”
Topic: Donor Stories
