It’s not a stretch to suggest that Jim and Christine Bonta are avid museumgoers. “I think we visit one of the national museums every six weeks or so,” says Christine. “I don’t know what we’d do if we lived in a place with no museums.”
When asked what motivated them to take out memberships at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum, Jim said, “Membership offers great value, and you can come here as many times as you want. But beyond discounts and unlimited access, we really enjoy the members-only tours and events.”
As we chatted about the benefits of membership, Jim mentioned how much his children and grandchildren enjoy visiting the Museums when they’re in town. “The last time they were here, it rained for two days straight. Museums are a great place for kids when it’s raining — especially the Children’s Museum. The kids could stay there all day.”
Jim and Christine Bonta
Photo: Courtesy of Stéphane Brazeau
Jim and Christine have become big fans of the War Museum as well. “Although we used to favour the Museum of History,” Christine says, “we’ve really been enjoying special events and tours at the War Museum, with historians like Dr. Tim Cook, Dr. Jeff Noakes and Dr. Andrew Burtch. And, of course, we still love the Museum of History — especially a tour we took of the Grand Hall that included Alex Janvier’s Morning Star, a work of art our older grandkids really love.”
But Jim and Christine have chosen to extend their support of the Museums beyond membership. They’ve also become donors. “Unlimited access is our main reason for being members,” says Christine, “but learning from Kudos! about all the things you do made us want to become donors, too. From educational programs to travelling exhibitions to artifact purchases, you do so much more than produce the exhibitions we see here.”
“There is a cost to everything and, by becoming donors, we have an opportunity to give back and support Canada’s history.”
It was a delight to talk with Jim and Christine, and I would like to express my sincere thanks for their generosity as longtime members, and now as donors. By supporting everything the Museums do — from our Supply Line and History Box educational kits, to oral history projects, conservation, special events and so much more — they are truly making a difference.
To learn more about becoming a member or a donor, please visit us at Ways of giving.
