There are many ways that residents of eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba can contribute to The Health Foundation, to help ensure quality medical and long term care.

That support can include small donations, of which we receive many and for which we are very grateful; supporting the fund raising events of The Health Foundation and other organizations assisting our work; corporate support from our friends in the business community who recognize the importance of good health care to a vibrant community; and planned giving...gifts that are arranged now but that will take effect in the future.

Personal donations

Many individuals make donations large and small throughout the year. It may be $10, $100, $1,000, $10,000 -- or it may be more. But all help to further the work of The Health Foundation. We automatically issue tax receipts for all donations of $20 and more, and on request for others. You may wish to consider providing The Health Foundation with a series of post-dated cheques, if that suits your budget. For your convenience, donations are accepted at any of the health care facilities in the district, and you will receive a temporary receipt at the time. As a registered charity, The Health Foundation will then issue an official receipt for tax purposes.

Support of fund raising events

The Health Foundation, as well as clubs and organizations in the community, conduct fund raising events. Your support of these events, such as the Charity Golf Classic and our Gala Night all benefit The Health Foundation.

Memorial gifts

If you want to remember a friend or family member who has had a special meaning to your life, memorial giving allows you to honour that person, while helping the health care facilities in our district. We will inform the family of your kindness, but the amount of your donation will be kept confidential. We will, of course, issue charitable tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.

Tribute gifts

Want to salute a special occasion such as an anniversary, retirement, graduation or birthday of a special friend, family member or colleague? You can make a tribute gift on their behalf to The Health Foundation. We will inform the person you have honoured of your gift. For donations of $20 or more, a charitable tax receipt will be issued.

Third Party Events

The Health Foundation encourages organizations or individuals to hold events or activities that raise funds to improve our local healthcare. If you wish to hold an event to raise funds in support of our local healthcare, please contact The Health Foundation.

Examples of events that have donated proceeds to The Health Foundation are:

• Pharmachoice Curling Classic
• Braden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer Local Initiatives
• Artistic Images – Fairies in Wonderland Portrait Series
• M.C. Knoll School Survivor Earth Day
• Churchbridge Antler Acres Golf Tournament
• Planned gifts

Planned giving offers the opportunity to leave a legacy for your community and make a meaningful contribution to the future without affecting your present lifestyle. Your planned gift may also provide you with significant tax savings now, and through your estate.

Planned giving includes gifts of stocks and securities and bequests in wills (see details at right). It can also be done through the purchase of a life insurance policy that names The Health Foundation as the beneficiary; the purchase of an annuity which provides you with income for the rest of your life, but which then passes the original capital on to The Health Foundation; charitable remainder trusts which generate income that is paid to you from year to year, with the remaining balance accruing to The Health Foundation upon your death; and gifts of property, such as real estate or valuables, which will pass to The Health Foundation at a future time so it allows you lifetime use of the property.

Life insurance is a creative way to donate to The Health Foundation by providing a significant gift at a relatively low cost. Whether you are just getting started or you are more established, a gift of life insurance can support your charitable goals.

By transferring ownership of an existing or new policy, you are eligible for an immediate charitable tax receipt equal to the current cash surrender value of the policy. You are also eligible for future charitable tax receipts equal to the value of any future premiums paid.

Alternatively, by naming the Foundation as a sole beneficiary, a shared beneficiary, or a contingent beneficiary, the charitable tax receipt is deferred and issued to your estate at the time of death. Such proceeds are not included in the estate’s final net income and are not subject to probate. For more information call Ross Fisher at The Health Foundation, 306-786-0507.

While we will be more than happy to discuss your planned giving with you, we strongly urge you to seek the advice of a qualified professional financial advisor when arranging your planned gift. Professional advisors can help you ensure that your gift is made according to your wishes, and that you receive the maximum benefits from your generosity.

We will be happy to discuss with you the many ways you can assist The Health Foundation. Contact us by mail, phone or fax; email us, or use the response form on this web site to let us know how we can be of assistance to you in making your decisions.

Gifts of stocks and securities

In May of 2006 the federal government made a tax change that makes it much more appealing than ever to make a gift of Securities to a registered charity like The Health Foundation.

• Your tax savings can be substantial
• It’s a meaningful way to make a difference
• There is no minimum gift amount
• The gift transfer process is easy

Under the new rules, when you transfer stocks, bonds, futures and options, or shares in mutual funds directly to The Health Foundation, you pay zero capital gains tax on the appreciated value (which can be as high as 50 per cent). Combined with a charitable tax receipt for the full fair-market value of your securities that offsets your taxable income, the out-of-pocket expense of making a donation is greatly reduced.

Making a gift of securities is easy. Simply fill out a Securities Transfer Form (you can call us for one) and take it to your broker – we’ll do the rest! Of course, the greatest reward your gift will bring is knowing it will improve the healthcare that is available locally, for our friends, neighbours and family. For more information contact Ross Fisher at 306-786-0507.

Leaving a bequest: a gift by will

A bequest made through your will to The Health Foundation is an admired and helpful way to support our local healthcare, while creating a lasting legacy that will have an impact for generations to come. A bequest is paid to The Health Foundation from your estate assets and can take many forms: cash, stocks and securities, life insurance, RRSPs or RRIFs, and real estate.

For gifts to The Health Foundation made through your will, your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt and may claim up to a maximum of 100 per cent of income in the year of your death. You can direct your estate donation to a specific area of care or healthcare facility, or have The Health foundation direct the funds to where there is the most need.