A legacy that grows: Lesley and David’s approach to giving
Between orchard conversations and a little showing off from the dog, Lesley Jensen shares a simple thought: “Giving feels good.”
In our latest video, we visit Lesley at the farm she runs with her husband, David, to talk about their giving through the Acorn Foundation. It’s a warm, down-to-earth conversation about what they’ve learned along the way, and how they hope their generosity will keep making a difference for generations.
Seeing the difference firsthand
Lesley and David have always supported charities when they could afford to. Through her involvement with Acorn, including eight years on our Board, Lesley had the opportunity to meet more of the people and organisations benefiting from that support.
Getting to know local charities and their work became one of the most rewarding parts of her time with the foundation. It also helped shape how she and David chose to give.
With backgrounds in farming and science, they initially considered focusing their support on those areas. But as Lesley learned more about the needs across our community, their thinking evolved.
They decided to leave their giving unrestricted, or “untagged”, as Lesley describes it, allowing Acorn’s Distributions Committee to direct their support where it could make the greatest difference.
Giving with the future in mind
For Lesley, that flexibility is especially valuable when thinking about the years ahead.
“And let’s remember, we’re not going to be here forever,” she says. “And the organization that we might choose today may not exist in the future.”
It’s a thoughtful consideration for anyone hoping to create a lasting legacy. The causes we care about today may continue to need support, but the organisations serving them, and the challenges facing our community, can change.
Unrestricted giving allows Acorn to respond to those changes. By leaving the decisions open, Lesley and David are giving future Distributions Committees the flexibility to support the needs of their time.
It’s an approach built on trust: in the foundation, in its understanding of the community, and in the people who will carry that work forward.
Something that lasts
Back on the farm, the conversation turns to what their giving will mean beyond their own lifetimes.
Through Acorn’s endowment model, donations are pooled and invested, with a portion of the investment returns distributed to charitable causes each year. That means a gift can keep supporting the community over time.
For Lesley and David, the prospect of benefiting generations to come is something to feel good about now.
“What a legacy to have,” Lesley reflects.
Alongside that long-term purpose, there’s a very immediate pleasure in helping others. The video’s laughter, everyday farm moments and enthusiastic dog capture that spirit beautifully. Giving is part of their lives, and it brings them joy.
Watch our conversation with Lesley to hear more about their approach to giving and the legacy they hope to leave.
If you’re considering your own giving, we’d love to help you explore what matters to you. Get in touch with the Acorn Foundation to start a conversation.