LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
Supporting Exceptional Healthcare For Future Generations
For over a century, Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals have been a beacon of hope and healing, where skilled medical professionals dedicate themselves to the well-being of others. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF) has a long history working hand in hand with our community, turning generosity into life-changing support for our referral hospitals. Since 1989, donors have raised over $200 million to fund strategic priorities, invest in best-in-class technology, and support innovative research —all of which strengthen both our healthcare facilities and our community.
What Will My Legacy Gift Accomplish?
Fuel Research And Innovation Keep Our Hospitals On The Leading-Edge Ensure Your Values Live On Make a Lasting Impact For Generations
As we look to the future, the needs of our Island referral hospitals are immense. A gift in your will creates a lasting legacy, ensuring future generations receive world-class care on Vancouver Island. Your gift provides stable funding for strategic priorities, education, innovative technology, and research that drives medical advancements, all strengthening our hospitals and the health of our entire community. Donors fund a remarkable 40% of the equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
Many Ways To Make A Profound Impact
Donors choose to make planned gifts in a variety of meaningful ways, each one contributing to the advancement of healthcare on Vancouver Island. Whether by funding leading-edge equipment, supporting innovative research, or directly empowering our dedicated caregivers; these thoughtful gifts are essential in driving progress.
Making VHF a beneficiary of registered funds (RRSP, RRIF, TFSA)
Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
Life Insurance
Real or Personal Property
Read Legacy Donor Stories
How Do I Make A Gift In My Will?
Including a gift in your will to support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation is easier than you may think. This meaningful decision not only reflects your values but also allows you to give back, ensuring exceptional healthcare on Vancouver Island for generations to come.
Types Of Gifts In Wills
Specific Gift: This gift designates an exact amount or asset (such as cash, property, or stock) to be donated to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Residual Gift: This gift type enables you to leave a portion of your estate after all debts, taxes and other specific gifts have been settled. A residual gift may be expressed as a percentage or as the whole of the residue and allows the charitable gift to proportionately reflect the final value of the estate.
Types Of Gift Direction
Unrestricted: Gives the Victoria Hospitals Foundation the flexibility to direct your gift to our hospitals greatest needs, supporting the most urgent health care priorities at the time it is received.
Restricted: Allows you to direct your gift to an area that is meaningful to you, such as to an area of care, research or education.
We encourage you to speak with us before finalizing your plans to ensure your gift can be used as you envision.
Sample Bequest Language
Specific Unrestricted Bequest
I direct my trustees to pay $___________ to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, charitable registration 10793 5637 RR0001, for the general purposes of the Victoria General Hospital or Royal Jubilee Hospital as the Board of Directors of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or its successor may from time to time determine.
Residual Unrestricted Bequest
I direct my trustees to pay or transfer to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, charitable registration 10793 5637 RR0001, the residue / ______% of the residue of my estate to be used in such manner for the general purposes of Victoria General Hospital or Royal Jubilee Hospital as the Board of Directors of the Foundation or its successor may from time to time determine.
Restricted Specific Bequest
I direct my trustees to pay $___________ to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, charitable registration 10793 5637 RR0001, in support of (insert purpose – for example, Cardiac Care). In the event that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, it should become impossible, inadvisable, or impractical to apply this gift for said purpose, the gift may be used for other purposes consonant with the spirit and intention of the gift.
Restricted Residual Bequest
I direct my trustees to pay or transfer to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, charitable registration 10793 5637 RR0001, the residue / ______% of the residue of my estate, for the purposes of (insert purpose – for example Cardiac Care). In the event that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, it should become impossible, inadvisable, or impractical to apply this gift for said purpose, the gift may be used for other purposes consonant with the spirit and intention of the gift.
Legal Information
Full Legal Name:
Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Address:
Wilson Block, 1952 Bay Street,
Victoria BC V8R 1J8
Charitable Registration Number:
10793 5637 RR0001
FAQ: All About Wills
What is a will and how do I leave a gift to charity?
A will is a legal document that ensures your money, property, and possessions are distributed according to your wishes. It allows you to provide for loved ones and support the causes that matter most to you. Adding a charitable gift can be as simple as asking your lawyer to include a clause in your will.
How can I support both my loved ones and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation?
A will ensures your loved ones are cared for and lets you decide how your estate is shared among family, friends, and charities. You choose what assets and how your estate is allocated. And you can change your mind and your will if you need.
Who can leave a gift in their will? I thought I needed to be wealthy or have a big estate?
Most charitable gifts in wills are left by Canadians of average means. You can provide for your loved ones and also leave a lasting impact that will make a difference in the lives of others. No matter the size of your estate, a gift in your will allows you to make a lasting impact for a cause that reflects your values.
What if I have already written a will?
You can amend your will at any time. Adding a gift is as simple as letting your intentions be known to those who drafted your documents in the first place.
Are there other ways to leave a gift without changing my will?
In British Columbia you can create a codicil—a legal amendment to your existing will. A codicil allows you to specify a new gift while keeping the rest of your will unchanged. Alternatively, you could name the Victoria Hospitals Foundation as a beneficiary of your RRSP, TFSA or life insurance policy.
What makes a gift in a will special?
A gift in your will is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy. Not only are you extending your generosity beyond your lifetime, but often there are financial benefits when you include a gift in your will. A financial advisor can help you reduce the taxes paid on your estate, leaving more money to go directly to your loved ones and charities.
Explore Our Planned Giving Guide
This helpful guide shares everything you need to know about leaving a gift in your will, and other ways you can support exceptional healthcare on Vancouver Island now and for future generations.
Tools & Resources
Click the links below for downloadable forms & instructions:
- Will Wording
- Leave a Gift in Your Will
- Real Estate/Property
- Life Insurance
- Donor Advised Funds
- Planned Giving Guide
How Your Gift And Nomination Will Make An Impact
Your gift will be used in accordance with your wishes and will help fund priority medical equipment that improves care for patients. Each year, Victoria Hospitals Foundation donors fund an incredible 40% of the equipment in Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals. More than that, it acknowledges the outstanding care you received and allows you to connect with your Caring Spirit in a meaningful way.
Caring Spirit Recognition
The hospital caregivers and staff who are recognized as Caring Spirits are always deeply touched. Through your nomination, they will receive:
- Recognition from their supervisors and peers
- A special Caring Spirit Pin
- A thank you card that can include a personalized message from you (but will not disclose the amount of your gift)
- A Caring Spirit certificate they can display to remind them that their work matters and is appreciated
How To Nominate A Caring Spirit
If your Caring Spirit is an individual, please remember to share their first and last name if you know them, and the hospital and department they work in.
Recipients are incredibly touched when they are told why they are nominated for this award—if you wish to, please share these details with us so we can pass your sentiments to them.
If you have any questions or need further support, please call our office at 250-519-1750 or email VHFTribute@islandhealth.ca
Contact Us
Katy Smith, Planned Giving Associate | Beth Cairns, Associate Director, Leadership & Legacy Giving
250-519-1750 | vhf@islandhealth.ca | 1952 Bay Street, Victoria BC, V8R 1J8
The decision to leave a planned gift is a deeply personal one, and a decision that you may not wish to share. We are committed to always ensuring your privacy. We will only ever share information about your gift or your gift intentions with the explicit permission from you or in your estate.
Legal Information
Full Legal Name:
Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Address:
Wilson Block, 1952 Bay Street,
Victoria BC V8R 1J8
Charitable Registration Number:
10793 5637 RR0001
Copyright 2025 Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Charitable Registration #10793 5637 RR0001