Barry Streib Asks Thunder Bay to Make a Will
Published Thursday, December 14, 2023
Barry Streib Asks Thunder Bay to Make a Will
Including a Legacy Gift to the Health Sciences Foundation Will Ensure Better Healthcare for Future Generations
by Graham Strong
The Thunder Bay community is a special place for Barry Streib. Barry moved here from Winnipeg about 35 years ago, and instantly felt at home. That was lucky for us! He’s put his talents and energy towards a number of Thunder Bay institutions including the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and our Hospital, Thunder Bay Blues Festival, the Thunder Bay Marathon, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Thunder Bay CEDC – if it has “Thunder Bay” in the name, Barry has likely contributed to its success in some way.
That’s why Barry plans to contribute to Thunder Bay’s future healthcare success as well through a gift in his Will.
“We are so fortunate to have a hospital in our own backyard with access to high-quality patient care that is provided by all of our amazing healthcare professionals,” Streib said. “New technological advances in equipment, programs, and services along with ongoing research ensure they have what is required each day.”
He also knows firsthand how much funding is needed to purchase vital equipment and sustain those important programs and services.
“I’ve sat on almost every granting committee at the Foundation, and I see how our generous donors are making a tremendous difference,” Barry said.
Regular donations are still important to fund today’s healthcare, Barry said. But legacy gifts help future generations access tomorrow’s treatments and cures.
However, Barry recognizes the stigma sometimes attached to making a Will, which is why many of us put it off.
“It involves discussions about end of life and things we don’t like to think about. But legacy giving is something special. That’s exactly how I think about it – building a legacy for after I’m gone.”
Although it may be difficult, it’s important to make your intentions known. A gift in your Will can leave a lasting legacy for the next generations.
“Imagine what we’ll be able to do with tomorrow’s technology! New MRIs, new cardiovascular surgery equipment… new treatments our scientists haven’t even thought of yet. But costs for this equipment keep rising. That means our children and grandchildren will need even more to fund their healthcare. I want to make sure they have that funding.”
Barry said that some people imagine “legacy gifts” to mean large sums of money. Not so, he said – every bit helps.
“You want to make sure your family is taken care of in your Will – that’s number one. But your family and friends are going to need healthcare in the future, too. Dedicating even a small percentage to your legacy gift will make a difference to their futures.”
November is Make a Will Month, raising awareness about the importance of making sure the people you love are taken care of after you’re gone. Too many families struggle to sort out estate matters – at exactly the time they shouldn’t be focusing on anything but themselves. That’s why Barry wanted to be this year’s spokesperson for Make a Will Month.
“If you haven’t considered making a Will before, I’m hoping you do now,” Barry said.
Your gift is your legacy! To learn more about including the Health Sciences Foundation in your Will, please contact Lee-Anne Camlin, Legacy Giving Officer, at lee-anne.camlin@tbh.net or 807-684-7110.