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" The rise of online will platforms has also made estate planning more accessible, particularly for those with simpler estates. We've partnered with several of these services, allowing donors to include the BC Cancer Foundation in their plans. In parallel, we continue to encourage individuals to speak with their legal, financial and accounting advisors to ensure their plans reflect their wishes and are structured in the most effective way. " –ELISSA MORRISSETTE, vice president of development, BC Cancer Foundation. SPECIAL FEATURE C R E A T E A L E G A C Y vital ways that governments, businesses or other fundraising entities cannot. For many organizations, these donations can account for a significant portion of their revenue. At The Salvation Army, for example, Findlay says that legacy donations have become up to a third, sometimes even higher, of the revenue they receive in a year. "When we have an increase in estate gifts, it allows us to meet the needs of that time. And we've seen since COVID-19, the demand for programs and services in many areas has grown by 30 percent, if not more," he says. "So, for us, it means providing stability to programs and services for communities." Morrissette also sees the significant role legacy donations can play at the BC Cancer Foundation. "Last year, donors collectively contributed over $20 million through their estate plans to the BC Cancer Foundation—a truly transformational impact and a testament to the power of legacy giving. These gifts drive breakthroughs, fuel cutting- edge research programs, help acquire best-in- class technology and support compassionate and expert care close to home," she says, adding that "a legacy gift to the BC Cancer Foundation is a powerful investment in the future of healthcare." Though the contributions are significant, the need isn't going away any time soon. "More than 80,000 British Columbians and their families are living with cancer today, a number that continues to rise as our population grows and ages," Morrissette says. "The need for long-term, sustainable investment in cancer research, treatment and infrastructure has never been greater." Beard also notes that the need for donor support has never been greater as the cost of providing healthcare rises—particularly since BC Children's Hospital is the only children's hospital in all of British Columbia. "Canada invests just 1.6 percent of its GDP in children and youth—less than half of other leading countries," she says. "Children's health care needs are growing more complex and demanding." Because legacy donations are so forward focused, they aren't tied to the present's economic circumstances. For younger generations planning a legacy donation well into the future, a small percent of the estate now could grow multiple times over by the time the gift is ready to be given. "Economics go up and down, but children's futures should only have one direction, and that's up," Beard says. For mid-career professionals looking to support the local community to build a stronger future for B.C. (without breaking the bank), legacy gifts could be the right option. "Leaving a legacy donation for Burnaby Hospital Foundation is crucial in 2025 to enable the hospital to meet the growing and evolving needs of our diverse population," Zylla says. "Legacy gifts are crucial for organizations like Burnaby Hospital Foundation to sustain their support and make a lasting impact for future generations. They serve as vital funding streams, enabling charities to plan confidently and capitalize on larger donations." LEARN MORE BC Cancer Foundation: bccancerfoundation.com/legacy BC Children's Hospital Foundation: bcchf.ca/legacy Burnaby Hospital Foundation: bhfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/ create-a-legacy The Salvation Army: salvationarmy.ca/create-your-legacy

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