What happens if I do not have a Will? You will not have control over the division of your estate. Instead, it will be divided according to the laws of British Columbia. Therefore, it is very important to have a legal Last Will and Testament.
Should I review my Will? It is wise to review your Will every few years to make sure that it still reflects your true wishes. If it is a simple or small change, it can usually be handled by a codicil.
Can you give me a sample of the wording that I need to include in my Will? “to pay to Variety – The Children’s Charity of British Columbia, the sum of $___ or ___% of my estate to be used for children who have special needs in BC as Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC and its Board of Directors determine.”
Can I leave a Legacy to fund a specific Variety Program? Yes. However, for Variety to have the flexibility to place the resources where the need is the greatest, we encourage you to leave an unencumbered gift. Ultimately the decision is yours.
Is making a will expensive? Complicated wills can be expensive but a basic will can be prepared for a relatively modest fee by a notary or solicitor. Shop around!
Can I write my own will? Yes. However, to make sure all your wishes will be met it is best to hire a professional.
Will I save tax by leaving a legacy to Variety? Almost every program at Variety will issue a charitable donation receipt. A legacy can substantially reduce your taxes in both your final year and the one preceding it. It is strongly recommended that you talk to a professional to properly structure your gift. A Variety representative is also available to answer any questions you may have.
Does a Legacy have to be large amount? A legacy can be any amount your deem appropriate. Every gift to Variety makes a big difference in the lives of children in the province.
Why do people give to charities in their will? Often daily and yearly activities take precedence over philanthropic plans. By naming Variety in your Will, you are able to ensure that your charitable wishes are fulfilled beyond your lifetime.
Do I have to tell Variety that I’ve left a gift? No, but Variety would like to know in advance so that you can be recognized for your generosity and to let you know about specific opportunities for giving. However, the choice is yours. It does help us in planning for the future.
What is Variety's registered charity number?
Variety – The Children’s Charity Federal Tax Number: 10816 8709 RR001
For additional information please contact one of our Planned Giving professionals at 1.800.381.2040 for a confidential conversation on how you can leave a Legacy to Variety