Common Legacy Questions

Who can leave a legacy gift?
Some people think that including a gift to charity in their estate plans is only an option for the very wealthy. The truth is anyone can - no matter your household income. You have the potential to leave a gift that will impact the future of health care.

Every gift makes a difference and we appreciate your consideration.

Isn’t it better to help now, and not later?
A gift in your estate is one of many ways you can give. Often times, this way of giving allows you to give much more than you ever thought possible during your lifetime as your estate includes all of your assets – like real estate or investments, which are often overlooked when you consider how much you have.

Leaving a legacy gift does not require you to give any funds during your lifetime and will not take away from your loved ones.

Why leave a legacy gift to charity?
A legacy gift is a way for you to leave a lasting footprint of kindness in the world. These gifts provide a source of future funding that will support the causes you care about.

It is also important to consider that a charitable gift can reduce the amount of taxes to be levied against your estate after you pass.

How will Sunnybrook use my legacy gift?
Your generosity will never be taken for granted.

Your gift to Sunnybrook will ensure we can continue to discover new innovative and effective ways of tackling the most common, devastating and difficult-to-treat disorders and conditions for generations to come. By investing in research, treatment and care through a legacy gift, you provide Sunnybrook with the means to heal and save even more lives.

Your gift will touch each and every patient who will pass through our doors for years to come.

How can I leave a gift to charity and provide for my loved ones?
There are many ways to ensure your loved ones are taken care of along with remembering Sunnybrook in your estate plans. A popular option is called a ‘residual gift’*. This means you can take care of your loved ones first, along with any debts, before leaving whatever is left to Sunnybrook.

What if I already have a Will?
If you have an existing Will, and would like to leave a gift to Sunnybrook, ask your lawyer to add a codicil (an addition that modifies a part of your Will) that establishes a gift to Sunnybrook.

*Residual Gift: You can give a percentage of your estate, less your debts.

Another way to think of a residual gift is to think of your estate like a pie, with slices going to your loved ones, debts, and charities of your choice. If you’re not certain about the total size of your estate, this is a safe solution to make sure your estate can meet all your needs.

Sample codicil for a Residual Gift:
“My trustees shall deliver, pay or transfer a portion of the residue of my estate to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation.”

Fixed Amount Gift: You can designate a fixed amount of money to be given to Sunnybrook.

Sample codicil for a Fixed Amount Gift:
“I give to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation the sum of $______ to be used for its general purposes.”

For more information or to discuss your legacy, please speak with Christa Kelly at (416) 816-5340 or email at christa.kelly@sunnybrook.ca