Leave a legacy of caring with a gift in your will.

Every hospital needs to fundraise to deliver exceptional care and save lives.

While government funding covers some medical equipment, it is the generosity of donors that provides the majority of critical tools needed in Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and the surrounding communities.

Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) invites you to consider planned giving as a meaningful way to support local healthcare—ensuring high quality and accessible care when your loved ones need it most.

Olga Jackson’s $962,500 legacy gift funded two patient transfer vehicles, helping Blanche River Health’s (BRH) patients access critical appointments to major centres outside our communities. Similarly, Brian Coghlan’s recent $60,000 bequest will be funding critical equipment replacements and upgrades in our hospitals. These legacy gifts highlight the lasting impact of planned giving, which helps bridge funding gaps. As BRHF Executive Coordinator Cassandra James shares, “Planned giving isn’t just about leaving a gift, it is about leaving a legacy that will support our community for generations.”

What is Planned Giving? Planned giving, also known as a legacy gift or bequest, involves leaving a gift to BRHF in your will. It’s an impactful way to ensure future generations benefit from the healthcare resources our community relies on. As BRHF Director, Amanda Kasner emphasizes, “Even a small bequest can make a significant difference, ensuring our hospitals have the tools they need to save lives.”

Unlike larger charities, your donation to BRHF has a tangible local impact. As Cassandra James explains, “Every dollar stays in our community, making a difference for your neighbors and loved ones.” Donations can even be directed to the hospital site or department of your choice, ensuring your legacy reflects your values and priorities. BRHF Director Mary Ann Mavrinac and her husband, Peter van Schie, have included the Foundation in their estate planning. Mary Ann explains, “Your planned gift strengthens the community resources that your family may one day need. It’s a way to give back and look forward at the same time.”

The 5% Strategy consider the 5% strategy: dedicating just 5% of your estate to BRHF while leaving 95% to your family. This approach allows you to support vital healthcare while ensuring your loved ones remain the primary beneficiaries. Some worry that planned giving detracts from their family’s inheritance. However, this is often not the case. By reducing tax liabilities, planned giving can even increase the overall value of an estate. BRHF Director Brian Bronson explains, “Planned giving ensures your legacy reflects your values, creating a stronger healthcare system without compromising your family’s inheritance.”

It’s important to note that the 5% strategy is simply a guideline for those who aren’t sure where to start. If you are in a position to contribute more, your generosity can make an even greater impact. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a significant role in ensuring a better future for our healthcare system.

Why Planned Giving Matters

For Families: Bequests can help manage estate tax liabilities, potentially growing the resources available for loved ones.
For the Community: Donations fund life-saving equipment and programs, strengthening healthcare services close to home.

How to Get Started

Understand the Tax Benefits & Maximize Your Estate: Planned giving can offset taxes from income, RRSPs, and capital gains, ensuring more of your estate benefits your loved ones. Insurance can also play a role in increasing the value of your estate. Consult your financial planner to learn more.
Add a Bequest to Your Will: The next step is an easy one. Simply consult your lawyer to include BRHF in your estate plans. Amending an existing will is often straightforward and affordable.
Contact BRHF: Reach out for personalized support or answer any questions about hospital needs.

Leave a Legacy That Matters

Most of us spend our final days in the care of a hospital. By including BRHF in your estate plans, you ensure the care you’ve experienced or witnessed continues to improve for future generations.

As BRHF Board Chair John Sullivan says, “If you have lived here or if you still live here, please consider giving back to our hospital... it will benefit all those who come through our doors.”

Donations are not about recognition; they are about the rewarding feeling of giving back to a cause that truly matters, knowing you’re making a lasting impact in your community. Start your journey toward planned giving today. Contact BRHF for more information or consult your estate planner to take the first step. Together, we can build a healthier tomorrow for Kirkland Lake, Englehart, and beyond.

How will your gift will be invested?

If you prefer your gift to support a specific hospital area (restricted), simply include those details in your will, and we will honour your wishes. If your gift is unrestricted, the hospital will allocate the funds to new equipment or initiatives where it is needed most.

How will you be recognized?

Some of our donors wish to have their gifts recognized, and others prefer to be anonymous. Simply let us know what you prefer and we will honour your preference.

What does your financial advisor/estate planner need?

Our legal name: Blanche River Health Foundation
Address: 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3P4
Charitable business number: 118983014RR0001

Have more questions?

Please don't hesitate to contact us.

(705) 567-5251 ext 2156

foundation@blancheriverhealth.ca

Photos:
Photo 1: Your legacy, their health. Brenda Todd (centre) with her daughter, Ashley Elliot (right), and granddaughters, Jasmine and Holly (left side, left to right).

Photo 2: Olga Jackson, left, holds family friend, Erin Booth, as a child. Olga's transformative $962,500 donation, funded two non-urgent patient transfer vehicles and other essential hospital needs.

Photo 3: Brian “Beeg” Coghlan is pictured with his wife, Lucy Beland, in 1997. Coghlan's estate donated $60,0000 and reflects his and his wife's enduring commitment to the well-being of their community.