Shine On!

Ken Park • June 29, 2022

How Charity Makes a Sad Song Better   

 ‘Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways, men can be immortal.’ - Ernest Hemingway.


     It’s never a painless or uncomplicated thing to lose a loved one. One of the toughest aspects of the ongoing struggle with the pandemic has been the inability for so many people to say goodbye to loved ones, much less comfort them.


     Maybe that is why Hemingway’s quote is actually reassuring. Suppose that you could still feel and appreciate the spirit and the positivity of a recently departed loved one? The concept is universal enough to have surfaced in everything from ancient Egyptian texts, to a novel by a French contemporary of Hemingway’s, writer, and most recently, the anonymous graffiti artist Banksy.  (Oh, and also in a much underappreciated Al Pacino’s film, Stand Up Guys.) 


     If somebody still can generate a smile or a laugh, or leave behind Something that makes a small piece of the world better, then in someway, it feels like they are still with us…and having an impact. Could there be a better way of celebrating the spirit and individuality of that person than a specific charitable gift, or act?


     For almost twenty-five years, Link Charity has been doing just that. What is the best definition of what your Father cared deeply about, or sums him up most precisely? That spirit can live on, and help any number of people. They will never meet him physically, but he can still be making a positive impact. Was there more than one important cause that moved them? By using our Gift Annuities, multiple charities can be supported under the umbrella of one annuity. That saves time, money, and effort…which means more of the money goes to the thing they cared about most. (Likewise, Link Charity’s experience in estate planning can save hundreds of dollars in fees and taxes.)


       Another popular option is creating a Family Foundation, through a Donor Advised Funds program. Again, by saving on the costs of and legalities of a family creating their own, that means you are maximizing the giving power of the person whose spirit you want to celebrate and honour. 


       As another Fathers Day and Mothers Day have just passed, it’s an especially poignant time for those who no longer have that person in their life to celebrate, to buy a card for, or even just call on the phone. Celebrating the legacy and spirit not only helps keep the essence of the person who has passed ‘alive’, it also gives the people dealing with the loss a constructive and positive outlet. On the surface, yes, it is about legacy. More deeply, if your loved one is somehow doing something good and positive, then Hemingway is right. They Are alive. (Love Is a death-defying act, apparently.)


     On a cross-Canada radio show discussing how Father’s Day effected those who had lost their Dad, one woman recounted coming home from the hospital the day her Father passed. His all-time favourite thing in life was Christmas, and she pulled into her driveway to see her normally dormant Christmas lights all fully illuminated, thanks to her husband. She said, for that moment, the sadness and grief were temporarily replaced by remembering her father’s joy, and the essence of how much he appreciated being alive.



      If you have lost a loved one, what is their equivalent of ‘Christmas Lights’? Give their memory the gift of living on through kindness, and contact Link Charity. Safe to say - the person who passed would undoubtedly prefer that you balance out any sadness and grief with a bit of celebration of what they brought to the world. And what they Still could be bringing to the world. Turn on those lights. 

A man and a woman are sitting at a table looking at papers.
By Rob Ennema July 22, 2025
When planning for the future, many people think about how they can make a meaningful impact even after they’re gone. Incorporating a charitable bequest in your will is one way to achieve this goal. It offers you the opportunity to extend your generosity, ensuring the causes you care about continue to thrive beyond your lifetime. This blog explores what charitable bequests are, the benefits they can provide, and how organizations like Link Charity Canada can simplify the process of integrating philanthropy into your estate planning. Understanding Charitable Bequests A charitable bequest is a gift specified in your will or estate plan that directs some portion of your estate to a specific charity or charitable cause. These gifts can take on various forms, which makes them versatile and accessible to donors from all walks of life. Types of Charitable Bequests Specific Bequests: These indicate a particular dollar amount or a specific item to be donated. For example, you might leave $10,000 or a piece of artwork to a favoured charity. Percentage Bequests: This specifies a percentage of your total estate to be gifted. For instance, you might decide to allocate 10% of your estate to a nonprofit organization. Residual Bequests: These bequests involve donating the remainder of your estate after other beneficiaries have received their share. Residual bequests ensure your intended heirs are prioritized, while still leaving a gift for charity. Contingent Bequests: A contingent bequest only takes effect under specific conditions. For instance, you might name a charity as a beneficiary if your primary beneficiary passes away before you. Gifts of Securities or Assets: Charitable bequests aren’t limited to cash. You can donate stocks, bonds, real estate, or even shares in a business, providing financial benefits for both you and the beneficiary. The Benefits of Charitable Bequests Including charitable bequests in your estate plan offers personal and financial rewards, creating a win-win scenario that can leave an enduring legacy. 1. Support the Causes You Care About A charitable bequest is one of the most powerful ways to reflect your values. Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, environmental protection, or religious missions, your bequest ensures these causes receive the support they need. 2. Create a Lasting Legacy Donations to charity through your estate extend your generosity far into the future. This legacy demonstrates a commitment to making the world a better place, inspiring your loved ones and community. 3. Tax Advantages There are practical perks to adding philanthropy to your estate plan. Gifts made to registered charities typically qualify for tax exemptions that can reduce the taxable value of your estate, resulting in more savings for other beneficiaries. Gifting publicly traded securities can also help you sidestep capital gains tax, maximizing the impact of your donation. 4. Flexibility Life circumstances evolve, and so can your charitable intentions. Bequests are easily adjusted through updates to your will, ensuring your legacy adapts to reflect your values and priorities over time. 5. Ease for Executors By clearly stating your charitable intentions in your will, you minimize administrative burdens and provide clear instructions for your executor. This reduces confusion and the potential for disputes. How Link Charity Canada Can Help Managing an estate and including charitable bequests can feel overwhelming. That’s where organizations like Link Charity Canada come in. They streamline and simplify the process, helping donors maximize the value of their gifts and their impact on the causes they care about. 1. Donor-Advised Funds One of Link Charity’s standout offerings is their donor-advised fund. This service consolidates your charitable giving, allowing you to direct all gifts through one account. It offers flexibility, ensuring that multiple charities can benefit from one plan, while also giving you the ability to amend your instructions without revisiting your will. Here’s how it works: You make a single bequest to Link Charity Canada. Then, via a letter of direction, you specify how and where the funds should be distributed. You can revise your instructions at any time without needing costly legal amendments to your will. 2. Tax Benefits and Strategic Planning Link Charity specializes in helping you maximize the tax advantages of your charitable giving. For example: Donating securities like stocks or bonds through your estate can eliminate the capital gains tax on appreciated value. Your estate receives a tax receipt for the full current value of the gift. Donations can offset estate taxes, leaving more of your estate to heirs and charities. Their experienced advisors guide you through these options, ensuring you get the maximum tax benefits while effectively supporting your chosen causes. 3. Legacy and Estate Planning The advisors at Link Charity understand how important it is to honor your wishes. They work closely with you to plan a charitable legacy that reflects your passions and leaves a meaningful impact. Whether you want to benefit local charities, religious institutions, or educational organizations, their expertise ensures your gifts are handled with care and respect for your intentions. 4. Anonymous Giving Options If you prefer discretion, Link Charity allows for anonymous giving. This ensures that you can support meaningful causes while retaining your privacy. For full information on Charity Bequest, please visit our Charity Bequests .
An elderly couple is sitting on a couch looking at a tablet.
By Ken Park June 28, 2025
When it comes to financial planning, the word “annuity” often gets thrown around. However, not everyone is familiar with the term, and even fewer people know the difference between a standard annuity and a charitable annuity. While both offer unique benefits, they serve entirely different purposes. Whether you're looking to secure a steady stream of income or make a lasting impact through philanthropy, understanding these options is essential. What is an Annuity? An annuity is a financial product that provides regular payments over a specific period. Typically issued by an insurance company, annuities can be a great solution for those looking for reliable passive income, especially during retirement. Types of Annuities: Fixed Annuities: Provide a guaranteed payout, offering financial stability. Variable Annuities: Payment amounts may vary depending on the performance of your investment portfolio. Immediate Annuities: Begin payouts almost immediately after deposit, perfect for those who need income now. Deferred Annuities: Allow you to accumulate money over time before withdrawals. Annuities’ main appeal lies in their ability to guarantee predictable income for life or a set number of years. However, a standard annuity is purely a financial product with no philanthropic component. What is a Charitable Annuity? A charitable annuity, also known as a charitable gift annuity, combines the benefits of an annuity with the joys of giving back to a cause you care deeply about. With this arrangement, you make a gift to a charity, such as Link Charity, in exchange for fixed payments for the rest of your life (or for a specified term). Once the agreement ends (usually upon your passing), the remaining portion of the donation is retained by the charity to further its mission Key Features of a Charitable Gift Annuity: Philanthropy: Giving to a cause you care about while receiving financial benefits. Lifetime Payments: Similar to standard annuities, charitable annuities provide regular income payments. Tax Benefits: Donors typically qualify for a partial charitable tax deduction at the time of the gift. Legacy Creation: You leave a lasting impact that goes beyond your lifetime. With a charitable annuity, you’re not just securing income for yourself; you’re creating a ripple of positive change that outlives you. Charitable Annuity vs. Annuity: A Quick Comparison
A person is writing on a piece of paper with a pen.
By Ken Park May 20, 2025
How to Use Your Will as a Gift-Giving Tool
A man is giving a gift to an elderly woman.
By Ken Park April 22, 2025
Understanding Charitable Gift Annuities
An elderly couple is posing for a picture in the woods.
By Ken Park March 29, 2025
Ensuring Your Wishes Are Fulfilled Through Your Will
A group of women are sitting around a table holding hands.
By Ken Park February 27, 2025
Reasons to Choose Link Charity as Your Beneficiary
A man and a woman are sitting at a table looking at papers.
By Ken Park January 27, 2025
When planning your estate, the decisions you make today can have a lasting impact on your family, loved ones, and the causes you care deeply about. Including gifting options in your will is one way to ensure your legacy aligns with your values, while providing financial support to the people and charities most important to you. Whether you're a Baby Boomer, an estate planner, or a family heir, understanding how will gifting works—and the many benefits it offers—can empower you to make informed decisions about your estate. Organizations like Link Charity Canada Inc. make it easier than ever to incorporate charitable bequests into your planning, providing you with flexible and impactful options.
A family is sitting at a table with candles and food.
By Ken Park December 27, 2024
Have you ever thought about how philanthropic giving can make a profound difference not only in your community but also in your personal life? Through a charitable gift annuity offered by Link Charity Canada, you can support meaningful causes, enjoy financial benefits, and experience the emotional rewards of giving—all at the same time. This unique form of giving combines the joy of philanthropy with a secure financial return, making it an appealing option for donors who want to contribute to society while taking care of their own future.
By Ken Park November 30, 2024
Philanthropy is a significant part of your life. It's a reflection of your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind. However, ensuring that your beloved charities are named in your Will requires careful planning and attention to detail. Why It's Important to Ensure Your Will is Correct Now 1. Clarity of Intentions A properly structured Will serves as a clear guide to your intentions, eliminating any ambiguity or misinterpretation. When your charitable desires are explicitly stated, it ensures that your wishes will be honored, providing peace of mind. Whether you're supporting education, healthcare, environmental causes, or any other mission, clarity in your Will ensures that your contributions make the intended impact.  2. Avoiding Legal Challenges Ambiguities or omissions in your Will could lead to legal disputes among beneficiaries. By clearly naming your chosen charities, you minimize the risk of contested claims, ensuring that your assets are distributed as you desire. It's crucial to consult with an attorney specializing in estate planning to ensure all legal formalities are observed. 3. Tax Benefits Naming charities in your Will can offer tax advantages, potentially reducing the estate tax burden. This maximizes the value of your bequests to both family and philanthropic causes. A knowledgeable estate planner can guide you through the tax implications and benefits of including charitable donations in your Will. 4. Flexibility and Updates Circumstances and priorities change over time. Regularly reviewing and updating your Will allows you to adjust your charitable contributions as your interests evolve or as specific needs within the charitable sector change. Remember, it's not only about adding new charities but perhaps reallocating your contributions in light of changing circumstances. 5. Strengthening Your Legacy Charitable giving through your Will enhances your legacy, extending your impact beyond your lifetime. It's a testament to your commitment to the causes you care deeply about, inspiring others in your community to consider their own philanthropic journeys. A well-planned charitable bequest can also amplify the reach of your chosen organizations, enabling them to continue their work with renewed vigor. Steps to Ensure Your Charities are Properly Named 1. Consult with a Professional Engage with an attorney or estate planner who has experience in charitable giving, like Link Charity. They can provide invaluable insights into structuring your Will to meet your giving goals effectively. 2. Specify Charities Clearly Include full legal names of the charities, their registered addresses, and any other pertinent details to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. 3. Consider Charitable Trusts or Funds If you wish to make ongoing contributions, consider setting up a charitable trust or fund. This can provide a structured approach to long-term giving. 4. Maintain a List of Charitable Organizations Keep a list of all the charities you support, and update this regularly as you make changes to your giving strategy. 5. Communicate with Your Chosen Charities Inform the charities of your intentions. This not only builds a relationship but ensures they are aware of your planned contribution and can plan accordingly. By ensuring your beloved charities are named in your Will, you provide them with critical support that can sustain their missions long after your passing. It's a meaningful way to continue your philanthropic efforts, reinforcing your values and leaving a lasting legacy. To start this process, consider consulting with an estate planning professional today. Make your philanthropic intentions clear, and ensure that your legacy of generosity lives on. Link Charity will walk you through the process of making sure your charities are named in your Will so there will be no questions asked and confusion. Link Charity Canada Inc. 647-435-7243 1-800-387-8146
By Ken Park October 28, 2024
Leaving a mark that outlives you is a powerful way to impact the world positively. This is where bequest planning comes into play, particularly when choosing a charity to include in your will. Whether driven by a desire to support a favorite cause or ensure a brighter future for others, selecting where your charitable donations go is a crucial decision. This guide will help you to find a charity that aligns with your values, ensuring your legacy supports a cause you genuinely care about.