By Ross Young

One of the most frequent questions people have about including a charity in their Will, is how to get the most out their donation from a financial point of view. Will Power was lucky enough to sit down with Ross Young, a Chartered Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, and owner of Calgary-based ICP Planning, to hear about some common financial strategies. As a specialist in tax, estate and philanthropic planning, Ross had plenty of insights to share when it comes to maximizing charitable gifts in Wills while still taking care of loved ones.

By Tina Tehranchian

If you are one of the generous Canadians who regularly donate to charities, you are giving to causes that you care deeply about, and tax incentives are the last thing on your mind. However, by having a strategic approach to your giving you can substantially reduce taxes on your income, and minimize the significant taxes that will be paid by your estate after you pass.

At the core of every world class community are people who care — people who care about the work they do, the community they live in and the chance to make a meaningful difference. In our community, every single person has the ability to profoundly affect our future for the better. When you leave a gift in your Will to a cause or organization you care about deeply, you leave a legacy that will help ensure a vibrant future right here for all of us.

Grand River Hospital is one of the many causes (Rev.) John Lougheed has chosen to support with a gift in his Will. As a retired Director of the Spiritual Care Department, Grand River Hospital is an organization that remains close to John’s heart, particularly because of the way holistic and spiritual care are woven into the hospital’s culture and community.