May is Leave a Legacy month, a national awareness campaign that encourages people to leave a gift through their will or another method of planned giving, to a charity or cause that is meaningful to them – like making life-changing experiences a reality with the Shine Foundation.
What is Legacy Giving?
Legacy giving is an element of estate planning that provides you with an opportunity to support Shine beyond your own lifetime, either directly or by memorializing someone through a bequest in their name. Legacy giving allows you to plan today to make a gift in the future that will ensure continued opportunities for young people across Canada living with severe physical disabilities.
Legacy gifts may include bequests in your will, gifts of life insurance, and gifts of securities (stocks, bonds GICs). Such gifts have a wide range of options available to fit your needs and provide valuable tax benefits to your estate.
The Impact of a Legacy Gift
The funds donated through legacy giving programs help Shine positively impact the lives of the young people we serve through our life-changing Shine Programs. Kids who receive their Shine experience or attend one of our Shine DreamLifts are ignited with a sense of newfound independence and confidence. They get the rare opportunity to create joyful memories that will stay with them and their families for the rest of their lives.
Legacy gifts let young people with physical disabilities experience the freedom of movement in the water alongside a “magical” dolphin; they provide customized bicycles that allow them to ride with the other kids; they create opportunities to take charge and make decisions, and they provide hope and promote being brave in daring to dream big.
Legacy Giving – Sheila’s Story
Sheila Harrison has a strong passion for helping young people with disabilities. Because her charitable giving has focused on the Shine Foundation, she felt it was important that she make plans to continue her support well into the future.
“I support Shine because I deeply believe in its mission of making dreams come true for youth with severe physical disabilities, and also because it is so well managed fiscally. I’m trusting my legacy, my life savings, to Shine because it is upfront and honest about money management and has a clear strategic vision for the future.”
“Many of the young people Shine serves go on to live full lives. Having their Shine experience gives them the confidence, the hope, the inspiration to go for goals they may have not thought possible. I love knowing that I will be contributing to their future success.”
Who Can Give?
Anyone can make a legacy gift. With careful consideration of your personal and family needs, a bequest can be tailored to fit your particular circumstances and financial priorities. A bequest is easy to do – simply contact your lawyer and choose the option that suits your needs.
You don't have to be rich to make a difference. No matter the size, your gift will help continue to spread hope and optimism for kids, encouraging them to dream big and dream bold.
Ask Us for More Information:
We recommend consulting with your own tax or legal advisor prior to making a planned gift. We are available to assist you and your legal counsel with sample bequest wording to ensure your wishes are fully realized. If including Shine in your will, let us know so we may thank you for your gift.
For more information on how you can support the Shine Foundation, please contact:
Shine Foundation
519-642-0990
info [at] shinefoundation [dot] ca (info[at]shinefoundation[dot]ca)
