David Fischer (Hon. B.A. ´71, LLB ´75)Q: How long have you been an advisor in this area?
A: Since 1978.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts?
A: Yes, since 1981.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: Not specifically, but I have been involved in a number of seminars on gift planning and have been a member of several gift planning committees.
The Gift Planning Office thanks David for joining his Lerners colleague and LFT Ambassador Anne Reinhart in making a professional development presentation to our colleagues in the Department of Alumni Relations & Development at Western.
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: The Law Society of Upper Canada Rules of Professional Conduct
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: Yes.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: I believe that philanthropy should be considered in almost every estate plan. There may be reluctance to make a planned gift, but the option to make a planned gift should be presented in almost every case. There may be some cases where it is obvious that a planned gift is not appropriate, but those are unusual.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: I am the Chair of Compassion Canada and am a member of committees of four other charities.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners – locally and/or nationally? (If not, would you like more information about this organization?)
A: I am not a member, but I am familiar with the CAGP and am on the mailing list. I have been a speaker at CAGP conferences and seminars.
On April 7, David presented with his partner, Anne Reinhart, at the “Access to Power” conference for professionals working in fundraising and professions allied with gift planning. Their presentation was titled “ABCs of Bequests”. The conference was hosted by the Canadian Association of Gift Planners – London and Region Round Table and the London and Region Fund Raising Executives.
