In the fall of 2021, Trellis received a phone call with some important news. William “Bill” Donahoo had gifted Trellis with a donation in his will.

Bill dedicated his life to helping others. He was actively involved in the community, serving as the president for the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Association as well as the Calgary Northeast Eye Opener Lions Club. We knew Bill as a board member who passionately served with our Legacy Aspen team. Bill believed in the work we were doing and helped lay the foundation to make Trellis what is today.

“Bill treated everyone with respect and grace and showed a genuine interest in their life,” says Bill’s counsel and close friend Guy Cochrane. “Bill was never one to brag about his accomplishments or his activities.”

Through Bill’s final legacy giving, $80,000 will support Trellis’ Sustainable Families housing first program which provides intensive support for families facing homelessness; the In Home Family Support intervention program to ensure children of all ages are safe and well-nurtured in their homes; and the Home Stay Prevention housing-first harm reduction, prevention and diversion program that offers short-term case management to families on the verge of homelessness.

Guy believes Bill would have been happy to know that he has made a difference in the lives of others for the better.

Remembered as a person with a positive attitude and sense of humour, Bill will also be remembered as a generous person who supported what was important to him right up to his final wishes.