How a Legacy Gift to Trans Canada Trail Leaves a Lasting Impact
For more than 30 years, countless individuals across the country have contributed to building the Trans Canada Trail into the 29,000-kilometre national treasure it is today.
Some take the lead locally by maintaining the Trail where they live, working diligently to help enhance a network that links every Canadian province and territory. Others donate what they can to ensure the Trail continues to be a place where we can all connect with nature, our communities and each other.
Increasingly, Canadians are seeking ways to support their favourite causes as impactfully as possible. Many are also thinking about how they want to be remembered, and how their values can live on. Legacy giving – the act of leaving a charitable donation in a will – offers a meaningful opportunity to do just that.
Let’s explore some of the benefits of including Trans Canada Trail in your estate plans.
Photo credit: Daniel Baylis
Your meaningful gift lasts generations
By leaving a gift to Trans Canada Trail in your will, you are making a significant contribution to the world’s longest network of multi-use trails. Your legacy gift, no matter the amount, can have game-changing impacts, allowing us to accelerate ambitious projects that protect and improve the Trail for future generations.
You can also leave securities, cash or even a percentage of your estate, while still ensuring your loved ones are supported – now and into the future.
For Heather Wagstaff, a longtime supporter of Trans Canada Trail, leaving a legacy gift towards ensuring the Trail’s longevity was a natural choice.
“I wanted to support the legacy of the Trail; it’s a national treasure and such a huge undertaking,” she explains. “I decided to leave a percentage of my remaining estate to Trans Canada Trail. I wanted to give to something outside the family that will remain in place for generations to come.”
Your values and vision live on
How would you like to be remembered into the future? By leaving a bequest to Trans Canada Trail, you can immortalize your values while supporting a cause that is dear to your heart. In short, a legacy gift becomes an enduring expression of who you are.
Better yet, your generous gift has the power to inspire friends and family members to support the Trail too!
You can look after today’s needs, while leaving a bigger gift in future
Making a charitable bequest may also allow you to leave a larger donation than might be possible in your lifetime, while retaining control of your assets. As cost-of-living concerns rise, a gift in your will provides an opportunity to take care of your current needs, while knowing you’re making a considerable difference.
In addition, a charitable tax receipt issued for a legacy gift can reduce – or even eliminate – the tax burden on your heirs.
Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon
How to leave a legacy gift to Trans Canada Trail
We are so grateful for legacy donors like Heather, whose kindness and generosity ensures the Trail will continue to exist – and thrive – for generations to come.
Here’s how you can follow her lead:
1. Speak to your lawyer about drafting or revisiting your will or adding a codicil.
2. Choose what you would like to leave to Trans Canada Trail.
3. Be sure to inform us of your bequest and your wishes. This will allow us to thank you for your generosity and discuss how we can best honour your future gift. We will respect your privacy and confidentiality every step of the way.
If you have left a gift to Trans Canada Trail in your will, or would like more information, please visit our Legacy Giving page.
Alternatively, Danielle Felip (Manager, Development), would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how you wish to leave a lasting impact on the Trail. Please connect with her at dfelip@tctrail.ca or 1-800-465-3636 ext. 4372.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional advice and assistance from your lawyer, financial advisor or tax consultant. We recommend that you discuss your plans with your lawyer and/or financial advisor before proceeding with a will or a legacy gift.
