Leave a Legacy That Lasts

Why Leave a Gift in Will to CHEO

Leaving a gift in your Will to CHEO is a powerful way to make a lasting difference for children, youth and their families. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the values that have shaped your life and to support what is most important to you.

A bequest is the term used to describe a gift made through a Will. No matter the dollar amount of your bequest, you will be creating a legacy of impact for children and youth. This act of generosity and compassion will continue to make a meaningful difference in the health of future generations.

Benefits of Leaving a Gift in your Will to CHEO

It allows you to make a lasting impact—usually greater than what is possible during your lifetime—without affecting your current finances.

You will make a meaningful contribution to CHEO, often without financial impact on other gifts you may wish to leave behind to friends, family, or other causes you are passionate about.

A charitable tax receipt for your bequest can help to offset taxes to your estate.

A bequest is a heartfelt way to honour what matters most to you and makes a lasting difference in your community by supporting CHEO’s patients and families.

How it Works – It’s Easier Than You Think

  1. Consult a legal professional:  Contact a lawyer to draft your Will to ensure it is legally valid and correctly reflects your intentions. You can also create a legal Will by using an online option – please ensure the platform you choose is accepted in your province.

    Here is an article outlining what to consider when exploring creating an online Will.
  1. Provide current and correct information:  When drafting the bequest in your Will, include the full legal name, charitable registration number and mailing address to prevent any complications and/or delays.

    Legal Name: CHEO Foundation
    Charitable Registration Number: 11885 2474 RR0001
    Mailing Address: 415 Smyth Road Ottawa, ON K1H 8M8
  2. Specify your intent:  Clearly state the type of gift and how you would like the funds used. Providing CHEO with discretion for the “greatest needs” is common and flexible, but you can also designate funds for a specific program. If you are considering designating your gift to a certain program or department at CHEO it is advisable that you contact the CHEO Foundation to ensure that specific wishes can be honoured. We also recommend including variable language so that CHEO Foundation will be able to accept your gift even in the rare circumstance that CHEO’s needs and/or programs change.

    Here is an example of wording that could be used in a Will to leave a gift to CHEO.
  3. Notify the CHEO Foundation:  We would love to hear from you so that we can thank you and celebrate your gift according to your wishes. Most of all, we’d love to help you see the impact of your meaningful future gift. If you do choose to share this with us, please be assured that your gift will be kept in strict confidence.

What Should I do if my Will is Already Written?

If you have an existing Will, you do not have to rewrite the entire document to add a charitable bequest to CHEO. Your lawyer can help you prepare a simple amendment, known as a codicil. This is a less expensive and simpler process, but it must be properly executed and witnessed to be valid. 

A Gift in Will to CHEO Makes a Difference

“Giving is probably one of the most wonderful satisfying things a human being can do, giving to someone else – you are getting rich by that, you also have great feelings when you give to someone else.”

– Jean Louis, CHEO Foundation donor

Our Legal Details

Legal name: CHEO Foundation
Address: 415 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M8
Charitable Registration Number: 11 885 2474 RR0001

Contact

For more information contact: Megan Doyle Ray, Director, Estates and Legacy Guidance mdoyleray@cheofoundation.com or call 613-297-2633.