Linda and Chuck Kruger are leaving a gift in their will to House of Friendship
House of Friendship has always been a part of Linda Kruger’s story.
Her mother, Agnes Eby, served on the board at House of Friendship in the 1970s.
As a young university student, Linda volunteered, and covered the desk during weekly staff meetings.
Similarly, Linda’s husband Chuck learned about House of Friendship while growing up at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, and later as a teacher at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate.
Chuck and Linda both attended teachers’ college together. After graduation, they spent several years in western Canada.
“When we moved back to Ontario, while looking for part-time teaching, I read an article about House of Friendship’s ‘Live and Learn’ program and thought it sounded like a great program,” said Linda. “And it wasn’t too long after that there was a job posting.”
Linda joined Live and Learn in 1988, helping provide support to women with children experiencing low income. She stayed with House of Friendship for 32 years, and, in retirement, continues to volunteer.
Linda said that the relationships she built and enjoyed over the years were an important reason she stayed at House of Friendship that long. But she also saw the impact of the work.
“Chuck and I grew up in families and faith communities where we felt supported,” said Linda. “Those gifts were life-changing for us.
“Too many people haven’t grown up with that same sense of belonging. I saw people experience that through House of Friendship.”
Today, Chuck and Linda are continuing their commitment, by choosing to leave a gift in their will to House of Friendship, building on the years of trust and relationships they’ve already witnessed.
“Legacy giving focuses the need just as much or more than a lot of other kinds of giving, to find an institution you trust and one that is doing valuable work,” said Chuck.
“If you have the opportunity, start by giving your time and getting to know more about the organization,” said Linda. “That also becomes part of your gift.”
“Even a small gift can have a big impact – it’s satisfying to know that whatever you give will continue to make a difference in our community.”
To learn more about leaving a gift in your will to House of Friendship, contact Development Director Natalie Schill at Natalies@houseoffriendship.org.
