At SAAAC Autism Centre, every gift—whether of time, expertise, or financial support—helps us fulfill our mission to make autism services accessible to all Canadians. But sometimes, a single act of generosity does more than meet immediate needs—it creates a foundation for the future.

That’s the transformative power of legacy giving. This year, SAAAC received its first-ever legacy gift, a monumental milestone made possible through the partnership of 6 Degrees Consulting (6DC) and WealthBridge. Together, they’ve launched a legacy planning initiative that empowers donors to leave an enduring impact on their communities.

But what is legacy giving, and why does it matter?

Legacy Giving: A Lasting Partnership

Legacy giving allows individuals to include charities like SAAAC Autism Centre in their estate plans, ensuring that their values and priorities live on. According to leaders from 6DC and WealthBridge, this approach bridges the gap between donors’ desire to make meaningful contributions and charities’ need for sustainable funding.

“Legacy gifts are more than financial transactions,” they explain. “They’re partnerships that reflect trust and a shared commitment to building stronger communities. For organizations like SAAAC, these gifts provide stability to grow, innovate, and deliver impactful services.”

Close-up image of informational display panels discussing donor engagement and legacy planning. The central panel titled 'Engaging and Empowering Donors' outlines strategies like aligning with personal or organizational visions, leveraging storytelling, turning success into significance through charitable giving, and highlighting tangible benefits. Adjacent panels provide additional insights into the importance of legacy planning.

SAAAC’s First Legacy Gift: A Catalyst for Change

This vision came to life with a legacy gift from Varan Karunanantham, an entrepreneur and community advocate. His donation not only provides immediate support but also strengthens SAAAC’s ability to plan for the future.

“The ripple effect of this generosity is profound,” 6DC and WealthBridge leaders note. “It inspires confidence among other donors and partners, helping SAAAC expand its programs and deepen its impact.”

This gift will enable SAAAC to continue offering culturally responsive autism programs, ensuring that families have access to the support they need for years to come.

Group photo featuring the Varagunan family presenting a ceremonial check for $150,000 to the SAAAC Autism Centre as part of a legacy gift initiative. The backdrop includes a decorative balloon arrangement and the words 'Every Legacy Begins with a Plan.' The group is composed of family members and representatives from the SAAAC Autism Centre, 6DC Consulting, and Wealthbridge, highlighting a significant moment of generosity and community support.

Why Legacy Giving is For Everyone

One common misconception about legacy giving is that it’s only for the wealthy. In reality, legacy gifts come in all shapes and sizes.

“Every contribution matters,” explain the legacy planning leaders. “Legacy giving can be as simple as including a charity in your will or designating a portion of your assets to causes that align with your values.”

This approach ensures that anyone, regardless of financial standing, can leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Building a Future Together

For SAAAC families, legacy gifts are a promise: that the support they rely on today will still be there tomorrow. They fund not just programs but also hope, growth, and innovation.

“Legacy gifts allow charities to focus on what they do best—supporting their communities—without constantly worrying about short-term funding,” 6DC and WealthBridge emphasize.

Your Legacy, Your Impact

At SAAAC, legacy giving is about more than financial contributions—it’s about creating a sustainable future where all families navigating autism can thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, legacy giving offers an opportunity to align your values with action. Whether you’re inspired by Varan’s story or simply curious about how to get started, we invite you to learn more about leaving a legacy of hope.

Let’s build a future, together.