I’ve always believed that healthcare is one of the greatest gifts we can give—to our families, our friends, and our community. Every day, I see the difference generosity makes at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), and I know that so many of you share that same commitment to care.

One of the most impactful ways to support the future of healthcare in our region is by leaving a gift in your Will. More Canadians than ever are choosing to include charities in their estate plans, with an estimated $37 billion expected to be donated through legacy gifts in the coming years. Imagine what that could mean for hospitals, and life-saving medical advancements.

Why Consider Legacy Giving?

I know that financial priorities can make it difficult to give as much as we’d like during our lifetime. That’s what makes legacy giving such a powerful option. A gift in your Will allows you to make a meaningful impact without affecting your finances today.

Our federal tax laws offer some of the most generous charitable tax incentives in the world. A gift in your Will may reduce the taxes owed on your estate, allowing you to maximize your legacy for both your family and the causes closest to your heart.

How Your Gift Makes a Difference

When you leave a legacy gift to STEGH Foundation, you’re helping to ensure that our hospital remains a pillar of care for generations to come. Your generosity supports:

• State-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance patient care and diagnosis.
• Facility upgrades that create a more comfortable and healing environment.
• Innovative programs that improve treatment and support services.
• Education and training to equip healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care.

Your legacy means that families in our community—now and in the future—will always have access to excellent healthcare when they need it most.

How to Leave a Gift in Your Will

Thinking about legacy giving? It’s simpler than you might expect:

1. Decide on Your Legacy:
   Consider the positive impact you want to create by supporting a cause close to your heart. Even a small amount can make a significant impact.
2. Explore Your Options:
   Legacy gifts can take different forms, including a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or naming STEGH Foundation as a beneficiary of your RRSP or life insurance policy.
3. Speak with a Professional:
   A financial advisor or lawyer can help ensure your gift is structured to reflect your wishes while maximizing tax benefits.

1. Communicate Your Intentions:    
   Let your loved ones and executor know about your plans so they can help carry out your wishes.

Discover Your Legacy Potential

Curious about the impact you can have? Try the Will Power Legacy Calculator to see how even a small percentage of your estate can create lasting change at STEGH Foundation.

Let’s Start the Conversation

If you’re considering leaving a gift in your Will to STEGH Foundation, we would love to hear from you. No pressure, no commitment—just a conversation about how your legacy can support the future of healthcare in our community.

Reach out to Kelley Montfort at kelley.montfort@steghfoundation.ca or 519.631-2030 x2282 to learn more.

Together, we can build a healthier future—one gift at a time.

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