Why having a Will is one of the most powerful gifts you can give  

For many of us, writing a Will can feel daunting, or even uncomfortable, but it is one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people and causes that matter most to you. It ensures your wishes are respected, brings peace of mind to your loved ones, and can leave a lasting legacy that continues to make a difference long after you’re gone. 

Protect your loved ones  

A Will gives you control over what happens to your assets, helps avoid confusion or conflict among loved ones, and ensures that your estate is distributed the way you intend. 

When you make a Will, you can: 

• Name an executor, someone you trust to handle your affairs, pay any outstanding bills, and distribute your assets according to your wishes. Without a Will, this responsibility is appointed by the courts, which can lead to delays and unnecessary stress for your loved ones. 

• Choose a guardian for your children or dependents. If you have children under 18, your Will allows you to name a trusted guardian to care for them and manage any funds you leave behind for their future. Without this guidance, this decision is made by the courts. 

Leave a lasting legacy  

Beyond caring for family and friends, your Will is also a powerful way to reflect your values and the causes that matter most to you. Including a charitable gift in your Will, often called a legacy gift, allows your kindness to live on and shape a better world long after you’re gone. 

Legacy gifts can provide reliable, long-term support to organizations you believe in—like Daily Bread—so they can continue to serve the community through changing times and advocate for long-term, systemic change. You don’t need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Even a modest gift, such as a small percentage of your estate, can make a lasting impact for generations to come. 

Getting started: It’s easier than you think! 

Making a Will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In Canada, a valid Will can be handwritten, printed, digital, or created with help from a lawyer or a trusted online service. There’s an option for every comfort level and budget. 

If you prefer professional guidance, a lawyer can help ensure everything is clear and customized to your situation. 

Daily Bread has partnered with Epilogue, an online platform, to provide a simple, affordable way to create a legally binding Will in as little as 20 minutes. From the comfort of your home, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process with clear, plain language and entitled to free updates at any time. 

Epilogue also has the option to include a charitable gift in your Will so you can continue fighting hunger with Daily Bread as a part of your legacy. 

To learn more about how to include a gift to Daily Bread in your Will, or get started with creating your Will online, please visit our planned giving page.