"At the end of my life I want to look back and think that I did something positive for my fellow man. Through my life’s work and my support to The Council of Canadians I will be able to say I did."

That is how Joan Harrison (name changed to protect anonymity) describes her reason for choosing to make a bequest to the Council of Canadians. Through the years she has found that the Council stands for the same things she does, and that our work is an extension of her own personal values. In turn, she views her bequest as a legacy gift to help that work carry on.

WHAT IS A BEQUEST?
A bequest is a gift that is planned now through your will, but given later when your estate is distributed. You can make your gift a specific piece of property, a specific sum of money, or a percentage of your estate.

ADVANTAGES THAT A BEQUEST OFFERS TO DONORS
Have you ever considered including a donation in your will to support The Council of Canadians? What might motivate such a donation? Bequests are the most common planned gift, and below are some reasons why people choose this method of giving:

• Since it is a future gift - not made from your income - there is no disruption of your current financial situation.
• Even a modest gift allows you to recognize causes close to your heart in a simple yet meaningful manner.
• You have peace of mind in knowing your bequest will help ensure the continuation of the Council’s important work.
• Create your personal legacy with a gift that makes a statement about what matters to you.
• It can be as simple as adding one line to your existing will.
• You retain full control, use and value of that future gift throughout your lifetime.
• A bequest is also a revocable gift, which means you are free to change your mind if your circumstances change.

THE DIFFERENCE A BEQUEST MAKES
People are the heart and soul of the Council of Canadians. Without the volunteer energy and generous donations from concerned individuals like you, our work simply could not continue - and bequests make a crucial difference. We know the great honour that people bestow upon us with their bequest, and we, in turn, honour that gift with our ongoing commitment to:

• giving Canadians a voice on key national issues so you can participate in decisions that affect you and your country
• building a strong citizens’ movement that is capable of holding any government accountable to the needs of people, rather than the demands of corporations - now, and for our children and grandchildren
• undertaking critical research and organizing creative campaigns that strive to protect those things we cherish about Canada
• Growing and strengthening our vital nationwide network of local Council chapters, which enable people to get involved at the grassroots level

PLANNING AND ADVICE
We understand that such a gift often requires careful thought and planning, and recognize that people have different priorities and family commitments. In Joan’s case, her bequest to the Council is rooted in her own personal beliefs: "I’ve always stood for a fairer society and a real democracy." Regardless of the reason behind the gift, we are always touched by its significance.

We encourage our members to obtain independent legal and financial advice when planning a bequest to the Council or any other organization. This will help to ensure a legacy gift that meets your personal, financial and philanthropic goals.

Jamian Logue is the Planned Giving Officer for the Council of Canadians.

He can provide information and expertise to help you consider all of the issues relating to making a bequest. He can be reached at 1 800 387-7177 ext. 224 or jlogue@canadians.org.

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