Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the people we love, and to the community we care about. For many, that planning includes preparing a Will that ensures family members are supported and that personal wishes are honoured. Increasingly, it also includes the meaningful act of leaving a charitable gift to a cause close to the heart.

What many people don't realize is that thoughtful estate planning allows you to do both: provide for loved ones and make a lasting contribution to the organizations that matter to you. A gift in your Will can be structured in a way that aligns with your values, fits your financial situation, and still protects everything you intend for your family.

A charitable gift in a Will does not require enormous wealth. In fact, most come from ordinary people, like you and me, who want to make a meaningful difference. Even a small percentage of an estate can have a remarkable impact. For organizations like Headwaters Health Care Foundation, these gifts help ensure exceptional health care close to home for generations to come.

Including a gift in your Will can also bring financial advantages, such as reducing the taxes owed by your estate. For many, this means the ability to leave a larger gift to both family and charity than might have been possible during their lifetime. It's a powerful way to ensure your values continue to support the community long after you're gone.

If you're considering a gift in your Will, there are important reasons to let us know:

Knowing your intentions allows us to thank you properly during your lifetime. It also gives us the opportunity to understand how you wish your gift to be used, and to ensure those wishes can be fulfilled exactly as you envision.

Also, awareness of future gifts strengthens long-term planning for the Foundation. When we understand the generosity that is coming, we can plan strategically to meet the future needs of the hospital, invest in vital equipment, and ensure patients and families continue to receive the outstanding quality of care we want for them.

Finally, we may be able to recommend ideas to discuss with your lawyer or financial planner to help minimize your estate taxes and maximize what you leave for loved ones and your preferred charitable organizations.

As you review your estate plans or consider updating your Will, I encourage you to think about the causes that have shaped your life and supported your community. A gift in your Will to Headwaters Health Care Foundation ensures that exceptional, compassionate care remains available close to home for your family, your neighbours, and future generations.

It can begin today with a simple conversation. 

You can reach us by emailing foundation@headwatershealth.ca or calling 519.941.2702 ext. 2303.