Anne’s Legacy
Anne Helmus Memorial Legacy Fund

Bill and Anne, and their four children, arrived in Victoria in 1997, when Bill became principal of Pacific Christian Elementary School. Anne taught in various public elementary schools in the Saanich School District for more than ten years, most recently at Deep Cove, Saanichton, and KELSET schools. Their four children have all graduated from high school (three from PCS), and now two of their three grandsons attend PCS.

Anne impacted many lives throughout the greater Victoria community, and far beyond. In the summer of 2006, Anne and Bill travelled to Zambia, Africa, for five weeks to work and teach in rural community Christian schools. In particular, they visited the rural community of Siabalumbi, and officially opened a new school recently built with funds raised by Pacific Christian School.

The people of Zambia fell in love with Anne and the feeling was mutual. Soon after their return from Zambia, Anne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Later that fall of 2006, prayer services for Anne were held at the Siabalumbi School, demonstrating concern and love for their friend. The Siabalumbi community organized a head shaving event in the spring of 2007 to express their appreciation for a similar head-shaving fundraiser held at PCS in honor of Anne in January, 2007 which raised $12,000 for teacher housing. Anne had hoped and fully intended to return to Zambia to continue her work.

However, when Anne passed away on June 23, 2011, after a 5-year battle with ovarian cancer, a vision emerged for a lasting legacy to honor her memory. The Siabalumbi community held a Memorial Service in Anne’s honor already on June 26th. It is fitting that a Legacy Fund is now established to create a yearly scholarship that will be awarded to a promising Grade 9 student from the Siabalumbi School in order to allow her/him to continue their education since fees are mandatory for High School students in Zambia, and many (especially orphans) can’t afford tuition. The student receiving this scholarship will be chosen on the basis of volunteer commitment, life style and school performance.

The estimated cost for 3 years High School tuition is $500.00 per year, and for 4 years of University or Teachers’ College the fees are approximately $1000.00 per year.

The Anne Helmus Legacy Fund’s goal and commitment is to provide a full education to as many deserving students as possible.  We ask you to consider what part you will play in the future of the students of Siabalumbi.  The fund will be ongoing and yearly appeals will be made to increase the funds, allowing us to change the lives of more young people of Siabalumbi, thus accomplishing Anne’s dream!

Print out the information, including the dontation form...
Legacy Fund Form

Please send pledge or donations  in a sealed envelope clearly marked to

“Anne’s Legacy”
Zambia Mission Fund Canada
4368 Lochside Drive, Victoria, BC
V8X 2C9
Attention: Joan Mann, Board member
…..or directly to …..Bill Helmus

Receipts will be issued for all donations over $20.00.
(CRA #86916 4178 RR0001)