If writing or changing your will seems like a task best left for tomorrow, you’re not alone. Only 55 per cent of British Columbians have a signed and up-to-date will.
Making a will helps your loved ones honour you by ensuring your legacy is fulfilled. It also lessens the burden they may carry during their time of grief.
Victoria Hospice joins with the Province of BC to celebrate Make a Will Week Oct. 4 to 10. This annual recognition of the importance of estate planning highlights tools and resources to help you create or change your will.
“Many of us put off making a will until we’re faced with a serious health or life event, but those can be challenging times to make important decisions,” says Shelley Engelhardt, Victoria Hospice Development Officer, Planned & Legacy Giving. “Having a will gives you peace of mind that comes with providing for your loved ones and planning your legacy in a way that truly honours who you are.”
“Having a will gives you peace of mind that comes with providing for your loved ones and planning your legacy in a way that truly honours who you are.”
– Shelley Engelhardt, Victoria Hospice
Support for making your will is available with resources from organizations around the province. New provincial legislation introduced during the pandemic enables courts to accept electronic wills and to permit remote witnessing of wills.
Victoria Hospice has resources to help you consider planned and legacy gifts in your will.
“A planned gift is a gift that a donor gives in their lifetime, and a legacy gift or bequest gift is written into a will and is given after a donor’s lifetime. Such gifts are a powerfully meaningful way to express your values and wishes,” says Engelhardt.
Many donors of legacy gifts have been inspired by the support they received after experiencing the loss of a loved one, and they want to ensure that same care is available for others when they need it most, she says.
“It’s a powerfully touching way to ensure the care Victoria Hospice provides can continue into the future.”
Learn more about making a legacy gift to Victoria Hospice by contacting Shelley Engelhardt 250-519-1743.