Leave a legacy
Leave a legacy
A gift to WCK in your will makes a long-lasting difference and helps us plan for the future. Your donation will help us make sure that families never feel alone in their cancer or blood disorder journey.
A legacy gift is a wonderful way to support the causes you care about, now and after you’re gone. It can also be an important part of your estate planning, and charitable gifts can help eliminate significant taxes. Most importantly, your Legacy Gift will support families going through the hardest moments in their lives. It will help WCK be there in tangible, practical ways that make a real difference to the whole family
Types of legacy gifts
Giving a legacy gift is an important decision that requires thoughtful planning. We have provided sample language and information below. This is here to help you have a discussion with your advisor — it is not intended as legal or financial advice. We encourage you to consult a qualified professional.
Charitable Bequests
A charitable bequest is a gift specified in your will. It is an easy and effective way to support families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders in British Columbia. You can designate a sum of money, a particular asset, or a portion of your estate. Whatever form your gift takes, the result is the same — more practical, meaningful support for families.
How to leave a bequest
To include a bequest to West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation in your will, you should consult with a lawyer or notary experienced in estate planning. They can help you prepare a new will or add a codicil to your existing one.
Sample Bequest Language
Expand the tabs below for sample bequest language. Please carefully review the terms of your will with a professional trained in handling trusts and estates. Download this information as a PDF here.
RRSPs & RRIFs
You can designate West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation as a beneficiary of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).
These assets are highly taxed after the later of your or your spouse's death. By donating a RRSP or RRIF, you will offset the tax that would otherwise be payable on these assets by your estate.
In addition, legacy gifts of a RRSP or RRIF are not included in the value of your estate, thus avoiding probate fees.
Securities
Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds is the most tax-effective way to make an outright gift during your lifetime or as part of a legacy gift.
When an individual sells an appreciated stock or mutual fund they are required to pay tax on 50 per cent of the capital gain. However, if you donate these securities “as is” to the Foundation, you will not pay any tax on the capital gain. The charitable tax credit you receive will offset tax on other income.
Benefits of making a gift of securities to West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation:
- A charitable tax receipt will be issued for the fair market value of the securities
- No capital gains tax owing if gifted to a public charity
- Satisfaction of seeing your donation put to good use
- A not-needed asset is removed from your portfolio and converted to a charitable gift
- Opportunity to create a lasting charitable legacy through estate planning
Your donation may be outright, providing funds for immediate use, or it may be planned now for a future date.
To make a donation of stocks or securities please complete this form with your financial advisor and send to caitlin.mcbride[at]wckfoundation.ca.
How your gift will help
Donations to WCK make a meaningful difference in the lives of families going through childhood cancer and blood disorders every day. They make sure kids and families have access to food, resources, connection, and support exactly when they need it. Here are some of the things your gift can provide:
- Food support that provides free, nourishing meals to families in the hospital and at home. These meals make sure that caregivers never have to make the terrible choice between feeding themselves and leaving their child's bedside, and families can access the food they need within minutes — any time of the day or night.
- Connection opportunities that allow kids to be together in safe, welcoming environments. These spaces provide chances for much-needed social connection and confidence-building relationships through online and in-person programs. We include siblings so that they know they matter too.
- Resources that make a difference. With customized adaptive clothing, caregiver sessions, and comprehensive resource guides, we give families the tools to make everyday life more manageable.
Let WCK know you've made a gift in your will
Thank you for including WCK as part of your legacy plans, we are so grateful. We would love to thank you and make sure you stay informed on how your gift will impact our organization. Please email Executive Director Shannon Hartwig at shannon.hartwig[at]wckfoundation.ca to let us know your plans.
Questions?
Want to learn more about legacy giving? Reach out to WCK's Executive Director Shannon Hartwig at shannon.hartwig[at]wckfoundation.ca with any questions.