It's believed to be the largest private donation in Canadian history. But it's not the only big donation to come out of the success of the high-technology firm from Waterloo. And there's more to the renewed spirit of giving than whopper donations from rich people. Awed fund-raisers say big gifts encouraged others to make small gifts. It's really kind of mind-boggling.
Charities credit the strong economy, caring citizens and a temporary improvement in tax incentives.
Through 2001, Ottawa has improved the charitable tax deduction available to donors who make gifts in shares instead of cash. This is a big encouragement to philanthropists who are rich in sky-high technology stocks. It was a banner year for Voisin's community foundation, which distributes funds to local charities. The K-W foundation has grown to become the sixth largest in Canada among 103 peers.