Legacy Giving - Jula's Story
For Jula, there isn’t one specific moment. She’s known about SOS Children’s Villages her entire life.
You see, Jula’s father was born in a part of what was then Germany, now Poland. During the Second World War, different members of her extended family fled or moved to an area more likely to be occupied by Western allies.
During and after the war, their town experienced an influx of refugees. Jula grew up hearing many stories about children who arrived alone after WWII, looking for their parents. Displaced parents also turned up, trying to find children who had been lost along the way. There were registry offices where they could go and say, “I’ve lost my child,” or “I’ve lost my parents. Will you help me find them?”
In response to the immense suffering of children who had lost parental care during and after the war, a new approach was developed—one that provided children with long-term, stable homes and the nurturing bonds they needed to heal and grow. From this vision, SOS Children’s Villages was born.
Because of these early stories of loss and displacement from her childhood, the work of SOS Children’s Villages always resonated strongly with Jula.
Do you recall the first time you encountered SOS Children’s Villages?
Jula has given her time and abilities as a volunteer member of SOS Children's Villages Canada's Board of Directors. After years of charitable giving to the organization, she decided to deepen her commitment by leaving a gift to SOS Children’s Villages Canada in her will.
“As a mother, I know that raising a child is a lot more than making sure they are housed, fed and educated,” says Jula. “You must teach them how to be a decent human being, ensure they connect with others, and learn how to handle conflict in a healthy way. And your children need to know they are loved and appreciated every day of their lives.”
Jula has seen firsthand the wonderful impact the family-based care model offered by SOS Children’s Villages has on children in need. She also believes it’s her responsibility – after her own children, family and loved ones have been looked after, of course – to share what she has with children in need. Compared to many places in the world, she can’t imagine a country more privileged than Canada.
“I’m proud that SOS Children’s Villages tackles the whole process of raising a child, from the early years to young adulthood. They don’t just breeze into town, dig a well, and leave. They’re here for the long haul, just like a mother should be.”
Jula’s gift in her will ensures orphaned and abandoned children will know a mother’s love for generations to come.
A GIFT IN YOUR WILL: MAKING IT HAPPEN
