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Every November, provinces across Canada take part in Make a Will Week or Month, an annual campaign to get Canadians thinking (and acting!) on one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever create — your Will.

Did You Know?

Despite how crucial a Will is, a national survey revealed that 62% of Canadian adults don’t have one. And another 12% have one that’s out-of-date.

So why is having a Will so important? 

By having a Will, it helps determine two very important things:

1. You get to decide how your estate is divided.
2. You choose who takes care of your children and your estate — rather than leaving your loved ones scrambling.

Without a Will, things have the potential can get complicated. With no named Executor or clear instructions, people are often left unsure of what you wanted your final intentions to be. There are only two provinces in Canada — Alberta and Manitoba — where everything may automatically go to your spouse, and only under certain conditions. In all of the other provinces, your estate is divided between your spouse and your children.

Turning Intentions into Impact

Making a Will gives you a voice in your legacy. And for some, that legacy includes giving back to causes that brought them joy.

“After an unexpected death in my family, I realized that person didn’t have to lose the inheritance I had allocated for her. I decided to give her portion to one of her favorite places — the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. The donation was made in her memory, and now her children and grandchildren can continue to share in one of her favorite pastimes and feel connected. It has been immensely satisfying… think about it!” C. Kerr.

You too can leave a legacy of Conservation by supporting wildlife in your Will

It’s a simple yet profound way to ensure that your values live on, even long after you’re gone.

When you leave a bequest to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, you are helping to support:

• Critical conservation science programs that protect wildlife
• Education initiatives that inspire future stewards of the planet
• Research and rehabilitation efforts for endangered species
•  Community outreach to foster a deeper connection with nature

And the best part? Every little bit helps to fuel to protect, preserve and restore wildlife. By leaving the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy in your Will, you can:

Your Will becomes a story — a legacy — of the things you cherished most. C.Swadron, a lifelong animal lover:

“The Toronto Zoo has enriched my life as a child, an adult, and a volunteer. I’m leaving them a bequest in my Will to support their work when I’m gone. It brings me joy to see them inspire others with a love of animals and a desire to protect them.”

Join the Guardian’s Circle Today 

When you include a planned gift in your Will — even just a small percentage — you help wildlife and wild spaces thrive for years to come.

When you inform us of your intention to leave a bequest, you’ll automatically become a member of our Guardian’s Circle — our way of honouring your support during your lifetime!

So, this Leave a Will Month, don’t let procrastination win. Whether it’s ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your wishes are respected, or your favorite causes are supported, your Will is your legacy.

Your legacy can help fund essential programs, fuel conservation research and educate future generations.

Let’s make this November count. Leave a Will. Leave a legacy. Leave a little wild behind.

Need help getting started? Contact Marion Zimmer, Director of Fund Development at the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, fundraising partner to your Toronto Zoo.