Making Your Values Count Today: A Humanist’s Legacy Journey

Craig, a 73-year-old Humanist, believes in the power of giving while living. Responding to Humanist Canada’s Legacy Giving initiative, he shared his journey: instead of waiting to leave a legacy after death, Craig pre-distributed his gifts to causes he cares about—including Humanist Canada, Humanist International, Yellowhead Institute, and Farm Radio
International.

Craig’s philosophy is simple but powerful: *“Giving living dollars, not dead dollars.”* He urges Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation to act now, to fight against humanity- and nature-destroying ideologies. “Those of us who have experienced the good times of the past must step up and do our financial part today. Our parents and grandparents laid down their lives or years of their youth to fight wars; we who are 65 plus are simply asked to
share our wealth.”

After his sister’s passing, Craig reflected on her charitable giving—a regular donor in life, but no legacy gifts. He realized that maximizing annual charitable impact can sometimes be more meaningful than waiting to be generous through a will. For Craig, charity is *moral education and ethical action, where the rubber hits the road*. He advocates that humanists should focus on making social investments now, using the tax credits from donations to further their impact year after year.

Since 2021, Craig has donated about $90,000  to various charities of which $30,000  has gone to Humanist Canada to support the Chaplains program, the publication of  the Humanist Values book, the Intersectionality course and its operations. Also he has committed another $10,000 to support the 2026 Humanist Congress to be held in Ottawa because he thinks this is  a great opportunity for a Canadian humanist to support our Global Humanists and make a difference.

He uses the federal and provincial charitable tax credits as a top up, leveraging every opportunity for greater social benefit. Craig calculates his annual giving after carefully analyzing his family’s needs – mindful to be financially wise, but inspired by the moral
courage of his risk-taking ancestors.

“Legacy is a derivative of the idea of eternal life, that one will not be forgotten,” Craig writes. “But it is better to give with a living hand than a dead one. Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present,” echoing Albert Camus.

His story is a call to action for all critical-thinking humanists: *make your dollars active now*. Invest in a better world today—not tomorrow.
Craig invites others to join him as “Humanist Boomers” making wise, compassionate choices,  willing to take moral & financial risks for humanity’s future to benefit the Other.