United Way Hastings & Prince Edward received the remainder of an unexpected bequest from a late local newsman on Wednesday.
Dave Vachon, known to friends as “Rogie,” was a wire editor for the Belleville Intelligencer. He passed away in the late fall of 2020 from a brain tumour. He was 54 years old.
In the spring of 2021, United Way Hastings Prince Edward was notified they were one of three charities named as benefactors of Vachon’s will.
“United Way HPE was proud to be chosen as one of the charities he supported with his final farewell to the community,” said Brandi Hodge, Executive Director, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward in a release.
“Charitable giving is very personal – in planned giving, the chosen charities can often reflect the journey the person took in their final days. Dave opted to be remembered for the way he lived and the values he had – caring for his friends and neighbours and supporting the community he loved and called home.”
The remainder of the estate will go to supporting the development of The Bridge, an integrated care hub for people experiencing homelessness in the community.
It is set to be located in the former Banquet Centre/Alhambra Hall.
Councillor Chris Malette, a friend and former Intelligencer newsroom co-worker and executor of Dave Vachon’s estate, said he was proud of his late friend’s enduring legacy.
“It’s almost been three long years since Dave passed, but finally freeing up significant funding for many agencies through United Way, helping establish this much-needed hub for helping people who are unhoused in this community shows the importance of the kind of legacy giving, exhibited by Dave in his final gesture,” said Malette in the release.
Those who would like to donate to the United Way through their will can learn more by calling 613-962-9531 or by heading to the United Way’s website.
Late Intelligencer news editor Dave Vachon, holds still for a rare staff portrait Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015. Known to his co-workers as Rogie, he was diagnosed in 2017 with a brain tumor. (photo: Supplied by The Belleville Intelligencer)
