You don't have to be a Thomson or a Pattison to make a difference. And you don't need lots of money.

A legacy fund is a charitable vehicle for making a gift to programs like HEROS. A legacy fund can be easily created to help at-risk youth achieve their dreams.

Creating a Legacy With a Lasting Memory

When Stephen Marshall passed away from cancer in 2005 at age 44, it was tragic.

But Stephen's brother Scott Marshall says creating a lasting family commitment in support of HEROS seemed like one of the best ways to honour Stephen's life.

It was also a great way to help less fortunate children to live out their dreams.

Stephen, who as a young adult spent three nights a week playing recreational hockey at Toronto’s Moss Park Arena, always stopped to chat.

He saw first-hand how many of these at-risk youth in the Regent Park neighbourhood struggled to forge new lives for themselves.

When Stephen found out his cancer was terminal, one of his last wishes was to create a hockey camp for kids. Fortunately, the Marshalls discovered HEROS and they teamed up to support the fledgling HEROS Toronto Program.

"He loved hockey, and for us, this was an ideal way to keep Stephen’s memory alive," Scott says.

HEROS honours Stephen each year with the Stephen Marshall Award.

The award is presented to an outstanding HEROS participant from the Toronto Program who best exemplifies the HEROS. Behaviours of sportsmanship, dedication, commitment, responsibility and respect.

Help Build Another's Life With Your Life Savings

Did you know that when you pass away, the funds remaining in your RRSP or RRIF are taxed as if you had earned the entire value of these savings plans in the year of your death?

Taxes payable on these accounts can amount to as much as 43 per cent.

One way to avoid these high taxes is to designate HEROS as the beneficiary of all or part of your RRSP or RRIF.

When HEROS (a federally registered charity) receives the gift, a charitable tax receipt will be issued that your estate can use to offset your tax payable.

To designate HEROS as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, or stock portfolio, please contact your financial institution to make arrangements.

Your gift will provide a lasting legacy that will enable at-risk youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to help fulfill their dreams and go on to live productive lives.

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