At HSC we are incredibly fortunate that so many people donate their time, money and energy to us. Many are now taking their contributions one step further, by including the Society in their wills and estate plans. “Some of the largest gifts we receive come from bequests,” says Jim Martin, HSC’s Development Coordinator. “It’s a way to make a tremendous impact and control what your legacy is.”
There are many reasons to consider a legacy gift. It is a great way to ensure your memory lives on. It’s also a way of acknowledging an organization that has had an impact on your life or the lives of those important to you while helping the charity to continue their important work. In addition, there are the financial benefits associated with charitable contributions. For some, including a charity in your will can actually increase the amount of money your spouse or children inherit because it offsets taxes.
Here are some tips to consider as you plan your legacy:
- Talk to your family about your wishes. End-of-life conversations can be tough, but discussing your wishes ahead of time makes decisions much easier for your loved ones after you pass away.
- Get professional advice. A financial advisor can help you explore various legacy options to find the best fit for you and your family. Once you’ve made your decisions, a lawyer can put together the nuts and bolts of a will.
- Talk to HSC’s development team. There are a myriad of options for leaving gifts and making a difference. Email us at info@huntingtonsociety.ca or call 1-800-998-7398 to discuss the kind of legacy you want to leave.
Many years ago, to recognize the very special nature of a legacy gift, Ariel Walker took the lead and helped HSC to establish the Ralph and Ariel Walker Summit Society. This support tells a powerful story, a story of a community of caring people who pull together and change the reality of families living with HD.
We are honoured to thank those who have made a pledge of a bequest for their commitment and we invite you to join this very important group of donors who are helping transform the future for all Canadians affected by HD.
May is “Leave a Legacy” Month in Canada. What better time to start thinking about your lasting impact.
For more information, contact the Huntington Society of Canada at 1-800-998-7398 ext 125 or via email at jhoffman@huntingtonsociety.ca