BCBusiness

SPECIAL FEATURE C R E A T E A L E G A C Y for many Canadians. "The rise of online will platforms has also made estate planning more accessible, particularly for those with simpler estates," says Elissa Morrissette, the vice president of development at the BC Cancer Foundation. "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, finan- cial and accounting advisors to ensure their plans reflect their wishes and are structured in the most effective way. "Encouragingly, more Canadians than ever are including charities in their estate plans," she continues. "At the BC Cancer Foundation, each year we hear from more donors who have already planned a legacy gift and are letting us know in advance." That early communication, she adds, allows the charity to express their gratitude and confirm how the donor would like to be recognized. " Leaving a legacy, to me, allows people the opportunity to support causes that are important to them. And in doing so, having a lasting impact on the type of world that they want to leave and pass on to future generations. It helps set an example for their children, their grandchildren to follow as well. " –KIM FINDLAY, divisional director of development, The Salvation Army, LEADING THE WAY For Findlay, legacy gifts also support the increased demand for services at The Salvation Army. "Leaving a legacy, to me, allows people the opportunity to support causes that are important to them. And in doing so, having a lasting impact on the type of world that they want to leave and pass on to future generations," he says. "It helps set an example for their children, their grandchildren to follow as well." It's this philanthropic leadership that plays an important part in encouraging younger and future generations to also leave a legacy gift. "Leaving a legacy encompasses the summation of one's life lived in accordance with their core values and beliefs," says the Burnaby Hospital Foundation's Zylla. "It also entails inspiring the next generation to reciprocate the generosity and kindnesses received throughout their lifetime from family, friends and the community." These core values and beliefs may be shared within the family, as well as play a role in setting an example for younger generations, not just to be philanthropic, but to care about a cause. "We're increasingly seeing business-minded donors view legacy giving as a tool for expressing their values," says Beard, "one that complements personal, family and professional goals." For those who want to leave multiple legacy gifts, she says that "advisors are also critical to the success of a legacy plan where a small business is a part of a retirement plan that includes one or more charities." But legacy gifts can come from anywhere, whether it's a lifelong small business owner or a corporate CFO. "Anybody can leave a gift—if they're of legal age, they can make a will," Zylla says, adding that legacy gifts aren't exclusive to high-net worth individuals or philanthropists. "In my career, I have seen people of modest means make a great impact," she notes. While the impact of a legacy gift is often realized after the donor's passing— when family and charity come together to commemorate it—more frequently these gifts are being celebrated during the donor's lifetime. "There's also a growing trend of donors aligning legacy giving with life milestones—retirement, homeownership, the birth of a grandchild—using these natural moments to reflect on the future they want to help shape," says Beard. FOR THE FUTURE Legacy gifts don't just inspire future genera- tions to give back, they also support them in

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