Leave a Gift in Your Will

Stand up for a future free from gender-based violence!

For more than a decade, Women’s Shelters Canada has supported over 600 shelters across the country for women, children, and gender-diverse people fleeing violence. We connect organizations, co-create knowledge, and advocate for the policies, resources, and relationships that make safety and equity possible. All of this helps to ensure the women, children, and gender-diverse people who turn to shelters and transition houses in their times of need receive the most effective and compassionate support possible.

A gift in your will creates a better future for survivors. A future where everyone in Canada has the support and resources to thrive – free from gender-based violence.

To leave a gift in your will to Women’s Shelters Canada, you’ll need the following information:

Legal Name: Women's Shelters Canada / Hébergement femmes Canada
Charitable Registration Number: 84098 9933 RR0001

 

To let us know you’re planning a gift in your will or to discuss this gift with us, please reach out to Anuradha Dugal, Executive Director, at adugal@endvaw.ca. All conversations are held in strict confidence.

FAQs

How big should my gift be to make a difference?
A gift of any size makes a difference! We’re all working together to end gender-based violence in Canada.

What kind of gift can I leave in my will?
You can leave a specific amount (such as a set dollar amount or number of securities) or a residual amount (i.e. a percentage of the “leftovers”). Most supporters prefer to leave a percentage, as it allows them to easily provide for Women’s Shelters Canada and their loved ones.

What impact will my gift have?
You’ll be supporting over 600 women’s shelters and thousands of survivors across Canada. You could be supporting the construction of new second stage housing or  renovations to make shelters more accessible or pet-friendly. You may be providing training to shelter workers to better serve survivors, or  advancing research and advocacy on a national level to end gender-based violence.

Can I support both Women’s Shelters Canada and my family in my will?
Yes! We recommend you provide for your loved ones first, then consider a gift to Women’s Shelters Canada among the other charities you care about. To do this, you may prefer to give a small percentage of your estate. This easily works around others in your will, and your estate will likely receive tax deductions from giving to charity, which your family could benefit from.

Many families are delighted that their loved ones are supporting causes they care about in their will, and celebrate that generosity.

What if my financial situation changes?
We understand that circumstances may change in the future. With the help of your professional advisor, you can update your will whenever you need to. You can also consider leaving a percentage of your estate, which will automatically adjust to your financial situation.

Why do you want to know if I’ve left you a gift in my will?
The decision to inform us of a gift-in-will is yours. We would like to know so we can personally thank you and keep you informed of our future plans. We truly appreciate your generosity, and . Your conversations with us will always be held in strict confidence.

What other ways can I give?
You can also make Women's Shelters Canada the beneficiary of a TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, or life insurance policy. We also graciously accept gifts through Donor Advised Funds, gifts of publicly traded stocks, and gifts from trusts. Please reach out to our team at donate@endvaw.ca if you’d like to discuss these options.

Please note: The information on this website is not legal or financial advice. Please consult your legal and financial advisors for advice tailored to your situation and needs.