Estate & Legacy Gifts
"Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me."
How do you want to be remembered?
Many of us are deeply committed to leaving a lasting legacy, something that will represent the very best of who we are and how we want to be remembered.
It’s hard to imagine anything more enduring or impactful than Terry Fox’s own legacy and his vision for world without cancer.
More than four decades later, Terry’s fierce determination continues to inspire us. He lived a life of purpose and service and in doing so, he left a legacy that continues to save and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. Your legacy can, too.
"It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” – Terry Fox
My brother Terry witnessed the suffering of fellow cancer patients firsthand. When researching his own cancer (osteogenic sarcoma), Terry found that there simply wasn’t enough money for cancer research. He believed that funding research was the key to fueling progress and hope. His dream was that one day no one would have to suffer the effects of this disease.
Terry’s legacy is one of selflessness and courage. It’s a testament to his belief that one person has the power to make a difference. And Terry believed that same power is in each of us.
Let Terry’s legacy inspire yours. Thank you for considering a legacy of hope.
Judith Fox
Questions about Legacy Giving? We can help!
While we cannot provide specific legal or accounting advice, we are always available to discuss your wishes, how your gift might be used, and the impact it will have for generations to come. We also invite you to let us know if you’ve already included the Terry Fox Foundation in your estate plans, as we would love to meaningfully celebrate your gift of hope with our Terry Fox Legacy Circle!
Judith Fox
Legacy Giving Manager
Ashley Benson
Director, Legacy Giving
It is a privilege to invite you to become a Founding Member of the Terry Fox Legacy Circle.
The Terry Fox Legacy Circle honours your intention to support innovative cancer research with your planned gift. In appreciation, we’ll keep you up-to-date with the breakthroughs and impact that are only possible thanks to gifts like yours. These include:
- A welcome keepsake.
- Invitations to educational and inspirational events, webinars, and talks.
- The Foundation’s annual Impact Report and special Legacy Circle newsletter.
- The opportunity to inspire others by sharing your story as part of our “Celebration of Legacies.”
If you have already made a future gift to the TFF, or intend to when you next update your will, please let us know. We would be delighted to celebrate your legacy of hope and include you in the Terry Fox Legacy Circle.
There’s a deep and lasting satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve made a truly meaningful difference. Thank you, from us, from the Fox Family, and from everyone who has been touched by cancer.
Types of Legacy Gifts
Your legacy gift (also called a planned gift) to the Terry Fox Foundation will be used to fund innovative research by this country’s very best cancer scientists. Here are two of the most common strategies for leaving a legacy gift:
(A) Gift in a Will
- Use your will to specify your intention to leave a charitable gift. You can leave a specific amount of money, a certain asset (such as an investment or property/real estate), or a percentage of your estate’s residue. Your estate will receive a tax receipt for the full value of your gift.
(B) Beneficiary Designation
These gifts are passed outside your estate and can often avoid the lengthy probate process.
- RRSPs, RRIFs, GICs, TFSAs. You can name The Terry Fox Foundation as the beneficiary of your retirement plan or tax-free savings account. You retain full control over the assets and your income from them.
- Life insurance. This is as simple as naming the Foundation as the beneficiary on an existing policy.
The option that’s best for you will depend on your situation. Please speak with a trusted professional when making these decisions.
Setting up your Will
If you already have a will or are working with a legal advisor to draft one, here’s some sample wording you can use.
A portion of your estate (called the residue): I give to The Terry Fox Foundation ___% of the residue of my estate to be used to support the advancement of cancer research.
A specific amount:
I give to The Terry Fox Foundation the sum of $____ to be used to support the advancement of cancer research.
A particular asset (real estate, stocks, bonds, art, collectibles): I agree to transfer to The Terry Fox Foundation, [description of the asset].
Please use the Foundation’s legal name and address:
The Terry Fox Foundation
150-8960 University High St.
Burnaby, BC V5A 4Y6
Charitable registration number: 10809 9979 RR0001
Additional Resources
- Legacy Giving Brochure (digital)
- Legacy Gift Form (digital)
- A Canadian Legacy: In Conversation with Leslie Scrivener (video)
Why I Give
“I was very close to my grandmother and her death from lung cancer devastated me. When Terry announced he had to stop his run, that was also pretty devastating, especially because the metastatic tumour had gone to his lung, as it had for my grandma. I want to make a difference for families and help future generations. Every gift in a Will can have an impact and it’s just so important that we continue to honour Terry’s legacy and fund cancer research.”
– Vickie Key
