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Resident leaves legacy to Nelson library

Don Flood, who died last year, left a $10,000 bequest to the library, and donated 600 rare and valuable books.
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Chief librarian June Stockdale and Nelson Library Board chair Dianne Harke look through some of the Folio books donated by the late Don Flood.

Long-time Nelson resident Don Flood, who died last year at the age of 70, was a regular at the library. This shy and quiet man, an avid reader and lover of books, has left an enduring legacy in the form of a $10,000 bequest that will go into the Nelson Public Library Legacy Fund at Osprey Community Foundation. The capital in the endowed fund generates an annual grant for the library.

Flood, a lineman for the City of Nelson before he retired in 2003, also bequeathed to the library his collection of 600 beautifully-bound books published by the London-based Folio Society. All were in mint condition in slip cases, and some were quite valuable. By selling them, the library benefitted from a further $4,300.

Osprey receives donations from community members who wish to give back or leave a permanent legacy. It has designated funds for several beloved local institutions and organizations — the library, Touchstones Nelson and Capitol Theatre, among others. Supporters can donate to these endowed funds during their lifetimes, or make planned gifts through their wills. Osprey invests the capital it receives and distributes the earnings each year according to the donor’s wishes. Don Flood’s generous gift to our public library will keep on giving forever.

Osprey is a public, charitable foundation, created in 2000 by and for the people of Nelson and the surrounding area. Donations to Osprey are pooled in a permanently-endowed fund, generating income each year that flows back to local charities and eligible organizations. Osprey’s overall endowment now exceeds $6 million. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and is a member of Community Foundations of Canada. For further information, please go to ospreycommunityfoundation.ca or call 250-352-3643.