A local Family opens its heart and wallet to donate to causes close to his heart and is inspiring others to get into the spirit of giving.
David Bissett is a philanthropist in every meaning of the word.
David and his wife Leslie are the essence of humanity when it comes to supporting Calgary charities and foundations.
David Bissett has had a lucrative career investing his and other people's money.
He is an avid outdoorsman so the wetlands at Heritage Park seemed like a good fit when he was looking for a recipient for his generosity.
"I think that's really important. That kids are growing up now are getting to understand the importance of the wetlands in the whole environment," said Bissett.
The Bissett Wetlands at Heritage Park are now a popular educational destination.
The school of business at Mount Royal University also benefitted from the Bissett's benevolence.
"The school wouldn't be what it is today without the generosity of David and Leslie. The building you see, the space we have, the funding we have for student scholarships, all of that was made possible by the Bissett's," said David Allwright, Associate Dean of the Bissett School of Business.
The Bissett's have donated over $12 million to the school since 2002.
"In the final analysis what else are you going to do with it? I'm not interested in leaving a bunch of trust fund babies behind me so I think you know we've got to do something with that money during our lifetime," said David Bissett.
The Bissett's also support the Calgary Foundation and numerous community cultural organizations.
For sharing the fruits of their success to build an educational legacy that will benefit Calgarians for years to come, Dave and Leslie Bissett are the CTV Calgary Inspiring Philanthropists for the week of July 27, 2011.
