The North Island College Foundation is encouraging community members to give a holiday gift that continues to make a difference, through its Future 50 Legacy Match campaign.

The initiative invites donors to pledge a legacy gift through their will or estate plans, with each new or enhanced pledge unlocking matching funds that provide immediate support for current North Island College students.

The campaign got an early boost in late November, when the Foundation hosted a legacy planning workshop in Courtenay.

Organizers say the session drew strong interest and helped build momentum toward the goal of inspiring 50 new legacy commitments.

The Future 50 Legacy Match is designed to work in two ways. Legacy gifts create long-term opportunities for future NIC students, while each qualifying pledge releases $1,000 from a $50,000 matching fund.

That money is used right away for student awards, bursaries, and emergency assistance.

The matching fund is supported by two major contributions of $25,000 each, from Ida and Ted Sauvé and Coastal Community Credit Union.

The Foundation says legacy-funded awards can make a significant difference for students facing financial pressure, especially those enrolled full-time and balancing the costs of tuition, living expenses, and specialized programs.

Community members interested in learning more about becoming a legacy donor can visit NIC for details.