Drafting a will is not typically something people want to do, which is why so many people put it off. But the Month of May is the perfect opportunity — it’s Free Wills Month, a program of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).
Whether you are looking to draft your first will or update an older one, through the Canadian Cancer Society, Newfoundlanders 55 and older can visit one of 10 participating law firms in the St. John’s area at no cost (provided your will is fairly straightforward — in the case of complex wills, you still get the simple part free).
The Free Wills program is an initiative to help bring awareness to the many programs and services in Newfoundland and Labrador that are offered by the CCS, according to Kelly Power Senior Manager, Planned Giving — Atlantic, Canadian Cancer Society.
“I am originally from Newfoundland. … I am also a pancreatic cancer survivor, so I know first-hand the importance of the programs and services offered by the Canadian Cancer Society,” she says.
Daffodil Place in St. John’s is just one of these services, says Power. “It’s a home-away-from-home for those cancer patients who are travelling into the St. John’s area for treatment,” she adds.
The 24-room facility offers affordable accommodations, three hot meals and snacks daily, as well as transportation to and from medical appointments. It even offers entertainment in the evenings, and more importantly, emotional and practical support during what can often be the most difficult time in someone’s life.
“I was staying in St. John’s all by my lonesome because my wife was too sick to travel with me. Daffodil Place was my lifeline,” says David Rex, a Newfoundland cancer survivor.
It is stories like David’s that show how important the programs and services in the province are to so many people. Apart from the astounding statistics on cancer rates in Newfoundland and Labrador, which reveal the province has the highest incidences of new cancers in all of Canada, these rates are only expected to rise due to an aging population.
Like many charities, the CCS relies on donations to facilitate valuable programs and services. Free Wills Month is just one of the ways they want to give back to the community and at the same time, bring awareness to the necessity of services, such as Daffodil Place, says Power.
While leaving a gift [in a will] is not required to participate in the Free Wills program, she adds, it would be greatly appreciated. “We are hoping that people, who have been touched by cancer, whether personally or through a family member or friend, will leave a gift to the Canadian Cancer Society. Gifts can be designated to support cancer research or fund programs and services throughout the province, including Daffodil Place.”
She adds: “Last year, the Canadian Cancer Society only had the resources available to fund 40 per cent of high-priority research projects. Imagine the impact we could have if we were able to fund 100 per cent!”
May is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime to do something significant. Cancer changes everything. “So can you, by participating in the Free Wills Month program,” she adds.
The campaign runs during the entire month of May. While you don’t have to see one of the participating lawyers in May, the appointment must be booked in May, according to Power.
For more information and a list of the law firms offering the Free Wills service, visit freewillsmonth.ca/ccs.
