Give Hope For Future Generations Facing Cancer
One day, your legacy could change everything for those who hear ‘You have cancer’.
By Alberta Cancer Foundation
One in two Albertans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and sadly only one in five will survive. Thousands of Albertans are committed to changing these outcomes today, and a special group are creating a more hopeful future through Legacy Giving.
We spoke with our expert at the Foundation, Christy Soholt, Director, Legacy and Strategic Philanthropy, to answer some common questions and learn how these gifts help to create more hope and more time together for those facing cancer.
Q: What is Legacy Giving at the Alberta Cancer Foundation?
Christy: At its heart, Legacy Giving is about creating an impact for those facing cancer that lasts beyond your lifetime. For many, including a gift to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in their will is the most straightforward way to commit to a better future for the next generation. Other plans, such as naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of an RRSP/RRIF, life insurance policy or donor-advised fund, also become a powerful and advantageous way to make a legacy gift. Legacy Giving is one of the most powerful and meaningful ways a donor can support the Foundation
Q: Why is Legacy Giving so important for better outcomes for Albertans facing cancer?
Christy: Every generation of those who have faced cancer have benefited from the generosity of people who believed in better options, better care and better outcomes before them. Alberta now has the second-best cancer outcomes in the country thanks largely to the community investment of past donors.
Legacy Giving is critical to help build on this progress of accelerating advancements and bringing us closer to what matters most – keeping families together longer.
Q: Is Legacy Giving about choosing between supporting your family and supporting the causes you care about?
Christy: Many of our legacy donors have made a financial commitment in memory of loved ones or in honour of those who have faced cancer. Their legacy gift is a commitment to turning today’s hope into tomorrow’s treatments for the next generation of their family, all their loved ones and across Alberta.
With thoughtful estate planning, charitable giving may reduce taxes owing, allowing you to support both your loved ones and the causes that matter most.
Q: Is Legacy Giving only for wealthy individuals?
Christy: This is probably the biggest misconception we hear.
A legacy gift doesn’t have to be large to make a meaningful difference for those facing cancer. It’s about the impact you choose to make with what you have. We know many Albertans have spent a lifetime building assets through their home, retirement savings or investments, and l see the benefits estate planning can have in creating tax benefits for your estate today and beyond.
Did you Know
One in two Albertans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
Gifts to the Alberta Cancer Foundation stay in Alberta, supporting all cancer centres across the province.
Your legacy has the power to bring hope to future Albertans facing cancer
Legacy Giving truly is a gift to the future.
A gift in your will can help create
more moments for Albertans facing cancer – supporting research, innovation and compassionate care for generations to come.
Alberta Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner for all 17 cancer centres in the province.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is just beginning to think about Legacy Giving and Planning?
Christy: Start by considering what matters to you, how you want to be remembered, and the legacy you want to leave for the next generation. We’ve created a free Will Toolkit that can help guide you through some legacy and planning questions, while thinking of what matters most in your estate plan. We then encourage you to discuss your wishes with your family, financial advisor, lawyer, and our team at the Foundation.
Many donors tell us that creating a legacy plan brings peace of mind, knowing they’ve taken care of both their family and the causes they care about. Our Legacy team is here to provide guidance, information and resources to help you make a decision that feels right for you and your family during any and every step of your planning journey.
To learn more about the Alberta Cancer Foundation, request a complimentary Will Planning Toolkit, or to learn more about legacy giving, visit albertacancer.ca/legacy or connect with our Legacy Giving team at legacygiving@albertacancer.ca