WHITE ROCK, BC – - Theo Miller is everything you would expect an almost ninety year old matriarch of nine children, 29 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren to be – practical, wise and full of twinkles. Theo’s wisdom is simple and no nonsense, “always build family and community because that is who will walk beside you,” she offers. For sixty five years Theo and her late husband Mike embodied this principle while raising a family, growing a business and finally settling in White Rock 26 years ago. Peace Arch Hospital fast became an anchor to them in their community. 

The partnering of Theo and Mike Miller falls in the category of all-time great love stories.

Theo, the youngest daughter of Romania immigrants meets Mike, dashing German-Canadian boy eight years her senior. In fast succession they marry, have a child and buy a dump truck. Over the next 20 years they would have another eight children and juggle an ever increasing debt load as they worked to build a contracting and cartage business. Song, celebration and laughter are hallmarks of Miller life. In spirit they were rich beyond measure. The business would eventually prosper as family and community grew.

In 2006 Theo’s beloved Mike was diagnosed with dementia. That’s when Peace Arch Hospital began to walk beside them, first through acute and later extended care.  “It was a loving environment,” Theo explains. “The nurses were extraordinary they took such good care of Mike. He would sing to them and they loved him.” Mike died in 2007 shortly after celebrating his 90^th birthday.  Theo smiles, her eyes misty, “it was our community, we were confident they would be there for us and they were.”

“I would like the Miller family legacy to be one of giving....giving to family.... giving to community.” Theo continues, “I feel fulfilled supporting the Peace Arch Hospital.” The simplicity of the message is humbling - we need each other.

Theo knows all too well the value of a dollar and the importance of stretching it. Since 2006 she has been maximizing the potential of every dollar given to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. That’s when changes to the Federal Tax code provided tax incentives for gifts of securities by eliminating taxable capital gains on publicly traded stocks, bonds and mutual funds. “Donating securities has become an increasingly popular way to give. It allows wins for both charity and donor and it is the most tax effective way to support a charitable organization,” says Clark Shewfelt Investment Advisor at National Bank Financial Wealth Management. “When a security is given in kind the donor receives a two part benefit, a tax receipt on the gift and no tax on the capital gain. For large or small gifts it makes good sense to look at giving gifts of stocks, mutual funds or bonds,” he adds.

A share transfer form is available from the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s website (www.peacearchhospital.com) and can be sent to the investment advisor who arranges the transfer. Often the funds are in the hands of the foundation within days and beginning their work. “A gift that supports the work of the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and gives back to me – I’d say that maximizes my dollar. Wouldn’t you?” asks Theo.  A characteristic smile sweeps across her face.

To receive the tax benefits this year, the transfer form needs to reach the Foundation no later than Dec. 15, 2011.

Download the securities transfer form:
http://www.peacearchhospital.com/index.php/ways-to-give/estate-gifts-and-securities

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation raises funds and awareness to enhance health and wellness in our community.