You may have noticed more conversations lately about leaving a gift in your Will. It isn’t your imagination — this type of legacy giving is a growing national trend with significant potential to transform the work of charities across Canada, including Victoria Hospice.
According to the national Will Power campaign, 15 million Canadians say they plan to leave a small portion of their Will to a cause they care about. It’s a simple act that anyone can do – and could mean billions down the line for vital community services.
At Victoria Hospice, more supporters are asking about this movement and wondering whether it might be right for them. Below are the top three questions we hear most often:
1. “What about my family? I planned to leave everything to them.”
Family always comes first, and we completely agree. Most people continue to leave the majority of their estate to loved ones, while setting aside a small percentage for a charity close to their heart. Even a small percentage (1-5%) can make a meaningful difference for end‑of‑life care in our community.
2. “What if I change my mind?”
There’s ZERO commitment. Life changes — and your Will can change with you. You can adjust your plans at any time.
3. “Don’t you have to be wealthy to give this way?”
Not at all. Legacy gifts are accessible to anyone. In fact, many people are surprised to learn how impactful even a small gift can be. Canada’s charitable tax incentives often allow donors to give more than they imagined, for less than expected. Will Power’s online tax and legacy calculators can show you what this might look like for your own situation.
Curious to explore the possibilities? Try the Legacy Calculator on the Will Power website to see how even a small percentage of your estate could support compassionate end‑of‑life care at Victoria Hospice.
Of course, legacy giving isn’t just about dollar amounts — it’s about meaning, values, and leaving a lasting impact.
To help our community learn more, we are now offering a short, on‑demand webinar featuring Lawyer Jessica Lyle, who shares practical tips and helps demystify common myths about gifts in Wills.
Watch the webinar: Writing a Will With Family and Charity in Mind
If you have questions or would like to talk about legacy giving, we’re here to help. Please reach out anytime to Michelle Atamanchuk at 250-812-3753 or visit our legacy giving page.