May is Leave a Legacy Month in Canada—a national initiative that encourages people to leave a gift through their will to a charity or cause that is meaningful to them. Calgarians Alec Clark and Sloan Pipella-Clark are two visionary philanthropists who are doing just that—bringing hope and opportunities to our city, now and for generations to come.
When Alec Clark and Sloan Pipella-Clark reflect on their 38-year marriage, one theme shines through: a commitment to community. Whether through time, leadership or financial support, giving back is important to the couple—and is a legacy they’re proud to be passing down to their children.
Alec’s commitment to helping others was shaped by his parents, who were raised in rural Alberta and lived through The Great Depression. Their stories of hardship and resilience left a lasting impression. “You get all the stories about walking uphill both ways to school in a blizzard every day,” he jokes. If you’re able, you should give back. Period. That was instilled in me from my parents.”
Sloan shares a similar story. Her father volunteered by teaching lunchtime fitness classes at the downtown YMCA, and her mother often brought Sloan and her sisters along to volunteer in the community. “We grew up with the importance of hard work, kindness and compassion,” she says. “It was always about helping others and making a difference in whatever way you can. Through sponsorships and participation in community fund-raising events, philanthropy has always been one of our core family values.”
A Deep Connection to United Way of Calgary and Area
Alec and Sloan have given generously over the past 25 years to improve lives across Calgary and the surrounding area. They first connected with United Way through a workplace campaign early in Alec’s career—a relationship that’s only deepened over the years.
Their commitment to United Way goes beyond giving.
Alec has served as Co-Chair of the Major Donor Cabinet, as the 2020 Campaign Co-Chair and currently sits on our Board of Directors as Vice Chair of the Finance, Audit and Technology Committee. As Head of Global Energy at TD Securities, he’s amplified United Way’s work through unique fundraising efforts with the company.
Sloan is a powerful advocate for community engagement and volunteerism involving mental health, whose commitment and support touches all area of our work. Her impact includes her work as a nurse, with a special focus on supporting patients with eating disorders.
This committed team of changemakers is creating ripples of possibility throughout our community—helping to meet today’s needs and create lasting change.
For Alec and Sloan, the decision to support United Way is easy.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact United Way has,” Alec says. “They bring people together, they tackle root causes and they invest where it matters most.”
A Gift That Lives On
Alec and Sloan deepened their commitment to United Way through a legacy gift of life insurance.
The idea started when Alec, then Co-Chair of the Major Donor Cabinet, wanted to better understand planned giving. “We kept talking about the gift of life insurance, so I thought, instead of just talking about it, I’m going to do it,” he says.
They decided to donate a fully paid life insurance policy and later purchased another policy with United Way named as the beneficiary. It’s a simple and powerful way to ensure their support lives on and magnifies their giving into the future.
“It’s a guaranteed gift to the community—and our kids will see that,” Alec explains.
Legacy gifts like Alec and Sloan’s fuel sustainable, community-driven change. Through United Way’s Tomorrow Fund, legacy donations are invested over time to create a steady source of funding for vital programs—meeting urgent needs while building a resilient community for the future.
Award-winning Philanthropy
Alec and Sloan’s contributions to our city were recently recognized with United Way’s prestigious Francis Lefaivre Award—an honour presented to volunteers who inspire change through compassion and leadership.
Karen Young, President & CEO, presented the award at an event in May. “We are fortunate to have community leaders like Alec and Sloan as partners in creating a better Calgary and area for all,” she says.
Alec Clark, Karen Young and Sloan Pipella-Clark with the Francis Lefaivre Award.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For Alec and Sloan, legacy giving is about more than the future—it’s their family’s values represented in a meaningful way.
“We hope our kids continue this path,” Sloan says. “They’ve already started. But more than anything, we want them to understand that giving isn’t about how much. It’s about making a difference.”
Their children have experienced giving back in real, tangible ways. One memorable moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the family delivered food to families in need.
“We were walking around an apartment complex with frozen turkeys,” Alec recalls. “It was kind of funny—but it was meaningful. It was something we could do together.”
“Helping others fills your heart,” Sloan says. “It gives you purpose.”
And it’s not just Alec and Sloan who feel this way. Numerous studies have shown that helping others can have a positive effect on mental health and well-being.
Leave Your Legacy
Alec and Sloan have shown that legacy can take many forms including living your values, guiding your family and giving back in ways that last.
United Way has a number of giving options that make philanthropy easy for people of all ages, including upcoming generations.
Legacy giving vehicles like our Family Funds support families in shaping their philanthropic vision, explore causes they care about and plan their charitable giving. Whether through a will, TFSA, RRSP or life insurance policy, gifts of any size create lasting impact. United Way helps donors of all ages turn their values into action—creating a legacy that uplifts both their community and their loved ones.
Learn how you can leave a legacy by exploring United Way’s Planned Giving website or reaching out to our team for more information.