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Since 1979 more than 140,000 animals have been treated by Wildlife Rescue.
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Make a Lasting Impact: Why and How to Include Charity in Your Will
Do you know you can set aside money for charity as part of your Will? You may have heard this called planned or legacy giving. And you’ll probably hear a lot more about it in the coming years: a Will Power study found a significant increase (5% to 8%) in Canadians donating to charity in their Wills.
That’s 1.2 million more Canadians giving in their Wills, creating roughly $37 billion in future charitable donations!
Think about how much good $37 billion could do – acres of forest saved, diseases eradicated, many people lifted out of poverty…
And countless wild animal lives saved and returned to their natural habitat.
Why the surge in Will-based charitable donations?
One apparent reason is the economy forcing us all to hold our wallets a little (or a lot) tighter. Donating in your Will lets you make a significant difference without using the money you need now. Even leaving 1% of your estate to charity in your Will could make a substantial impact.
Try the Will Power legacy calculator to see what 1% of your Will could do!
Coupled with an urgency to do something in the face of growing global need, gifts in Wills have become a popular solution. Inflation and cost of living may have put pressure on Canadian incomes, but the desire to help has never been stronger. This is a way for people to drive the kind of change they want, and it’s well within their reach.
Another reason is demographics. Canadians will pass down roughly a trillion dollars over the next 10 years, the biggest wealth transfer in history. It’s given many of us pause, realizing we probably will have enough to support family and a charity in our Wills.
Lastly, Canadians are just getting more creative with their giving by harnessing the power of Wills, RRSPs and other assets to give more strategically.
Why donate to charity in your Will?
It might sound funny to think of your Will as a powerful tool for change in this world, but when it comes down to it, there are many benefits to donating this way:
Contribute more than you could otherwise.
Our donors are always amazed when we tell them how far their donations stretch and how much more we can do for BC’s wildlife with every extra dollar.
When we show them what a small percentage in their Will to Wildlife Rescue could look like, they do the math, and their eyes light up.
Remember that the value of your “estate” is the sum of any property and/or business you own, your pension and/or registered funds, securities like stocks or mutual funds, cash savings, and life insurance. It adds up, even if you subtract debt.
The average Canadian family in 2023 had a net worth of $981,816. If you put just 1% of that aside for charity, you could donate about $10,000 to your favourite cause! When else could the average Canadian make such an extraordinary impact?
Keep your memory alive in a unique way.
Talk about motivation – imagine the pride your children or grandchildren will feel knowing that you’ve contributed to providing the highest standard of care for sick or injured wildlife for generations to come. Or the honour it would be for them to be involved in giving orphaned or pollution-damaged wildlife a second chance to live a natural life.
When your loved ones have something positive and meaningful to associate with your memory, you will have created a legacy that future generations can rally around.
Tax breaks. Big ones.
Canada has some of the most generous charitable tax incentives in the world! In Canada, when you donate, you get a charitable tax credit, which can go a long way toward helping you pay down what you owe.
Your loved ones might need that charitable tax credit upon your passing because your estate will likely be taxed, and they will have to pay the bill. You can even structure your donation differently to get the biggest tax break possible.
A popular approach is to name a charity as a beneficiary of your RRSP (Quebec residents must name beneficiaries of their RRSP in their Will). The credit received will close to cancel out the taxes owed on this asset.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can always book a consultation with a financial advisor specializing in charitable giving.
Writing a Will that includes a charity.
It’s easier than you think!
- Choose the charity or charities you’d like to support. It’s wise to book a chat with the charity’s gift planning specialist to discuss opportunities and ensure they can fulfill your future wishes. If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will to Wildlife Rescue, thank you! You can contact Sheila Dickinson at s.dickinson@wildliferescue.ca or 604-545-1421 for more information.
- Make sure you have the charity’s legal name and registration number. For reference, our legal name is WRA Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, and our CRA registration number is 131373490 RR0001.
- Get a rough estimate of the size of your estate and what percentage you’d like to go to family and to charity. P.S. The Will Power legacy calculator makes this really easy.
- Choose a lawyer, notary (if you live in Quebec or BC), or trusted online Will platform, such as Epilogue, to draft your legal documents. You can also find legal professionals who can help on the Will Power website.
- Make sure your Will’s executor and your family know about your plans.
Download the Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Will
with Family & Charity in Mind
Frequently asked questions about donating to charity in your Will.
Most donors have follow-up questions when they learn about the option to leave a portion of their Will to charity.
What about my family? I want to leave everything to them.
It’s possible to support both family and charity in your Will. Think about your Will in terms of percentages. If you set aside even 1% in your Will for charity, you can make a lasting difference (and lower taxes owed). And you’re still leaving 99% to support loved ones. It’s a win-win.
I don’t have much to give.
You might have more than you think. For example, donors are often surprised to hear that the RRSP or life insurance policy they have through work can be a smart way to give.
It’s worth taking stock of your assets. Even a modest amount can make a sizeable impact.
Do I have to be wealthy to leave a gift in my Will?
Not at all! Middle-income Canadians typically give this way. Do you know that the average donation made in a Will from the average Canadian is around $35,000? That’s the power of gifts in Wills!
How will I know what my gift accomplishes?
You won’t be able to see your gift in action, but when you leave a donation to Wildlife Rescue in your Will, you and your family become part of our Wildlife Community. We would love to hear how your vision matches our mission to save BC’s wildlife.
What if I change my mind?
Remember, you can always make changes to your Will. People generally update their Will at least a couple of times in their life.
You might also consider tools outside your Will to make a legacy gift. For instance, you can name a charity as a beneficiary of your RRSP or life insurance policy and make changes at any time. No hassle, no fuss.
Am I too young to be thinking about this?
If you have any assets, you’re not too young to be thinking about what happens to them. Without a Will, an executor or administrator will settle your estate according to provincial or territorial laws, which might not coincide with your values and wishes.
Everyone can leave a charitable gift from their estate, regardless of size. Your legacy reflects your life. It’s about the person you are, the values you demonstrate, and the example you want to set for others.
If you have any questions, Sheila, WRA’s Gift Planning Specialist, is happy to discuss more details with you. You can reach her at s.dickinson@wildliferescue.ca or 604-545-1421.
*Consult your financial advisor to ensure the gift aligns with your personal estate plan.
The Will Power campaign
Wildlife Rescue is a partner in Will Power, a national awareness campaign that encourages Canadians to use their Wills as a force for good. Together with Will Power, we want to connect people like you with resources to make the best decisions for their families, their future finances, and the causes that matter to them.
Avian Influenza FAQ
As avian influenza has been a hot topic over the past couple of months, we have received many questions from concerned wildlife enthusiasts about the virus. In this article, we address your questions and provide resources to stay up to date on avian influenza developments. For further information on avian influenza you can also refer to this article.
Have there been any recent positive cases in BC?
Should I be worried about my own health?
Can I get avian influenza from petting a bird?
Can eggs/dairy transmit the avian influenza virus to humans?
A sick bird was in my yard, will my dog get sick?
Should I be worried about cleaning bird feeders in my sink?
How do I disinfect my patio/items on my patio?
Can all birds get avian influenza? Has avian influenza been detected in hummingbirds?
Have there been any recent positive cases in BC?
This avian influenza dashboard shows test results from across Canada.
Should I be worried about my own health?
In general, the risk to human health from wild birds infected with an avian influenza virus (both low and high pathogenic strains) is considered to be low. You can read more here.
However, since research regarding avian influenza is ongoing, it’s important to adhere to government guidelines, such as the recommendation to not handle sick wild birds.
You can find more government information and guidelines here.
Can I get avian influenza from petting a bird?
The government recommends not to touch or handle sick birds or animals. Avian influenza is a respiratory disease. If you touch a sick bird or animal, then touch your eyes, nose, mouth or face, it is possible for you to get sick.
If you do touch a sick bird or animal, always wash your hands with soap and water and after removing gloves. Clean, disinfect or dispose of any potentially contaminated clothing, equipment or surface.
If you have touched or handled a sick or dead animal, watch for symptoms for 10 days after exposure. You can find additional guidance from the BC Centre of Disease Control here.
Can eggs/dairy transmit the avian influenza virus to humans?
Currently, the Canadian government states: “There is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the virus to humans.” You can read more here.
A sick bird was in my yard, will my dog get sick?
Avian influenza, primarily adapted to birds, is not as easily transmitted to mammals. While much less common, many types of mammals have been infected including pigs, horses, dogs, domestic and wild cats, foxes, cows, goats, squirrels, mice, skunks, marine mammals, bears, mustelids, opossums and humans.
If your pet has been in contact with a sick bird, it’s important to monitor for symptoms. Fever, lethargy, eye infections, lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, or neurological issues (like seizures or tremors) are symptoms of avian influenza to look out for in dogs and cats.
If your pet is showing symptoms of avian influenza, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you do not have a vet, you can find the closest one to you here.
You can find additional information on how to protect your pet from avian influenza here.
Should I be worried about cleaning bird feeders in my sink?
Using a dedicated tub or laundry room sink may be wise to prevent splatter of any pathogens from bird feeders onto food preparation surfaces. Whether you clean your feeders in a sink, tub, or outside, we advise thoroughly disinfecting the area where you clean any feeders when you’re done. You can find additional feeder cleaning guidelines here.
How do I disinfect my patio/items on my patio?
When disinfecting any items it’s important to wear the necessary PPE, like gloves and a mask. Clean the contaminated area with soap and water and then disinfect the space and cleaning items.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water after removing your gloves. Be sure to dispose of the PPE and other contaminated items in a plastic bag.
Can all birds get avian influenza? Has avian influenza been detected in hummingbirds?
Avian influenza is most prevalent in waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as any bird that scavenges or preys upon these birds i.e. birds of prey, gulls and corvids. However, other species may also become ill with avian flu.
Thus far, we are unaware of any reports of hummingbirds being affected by the avian influenza virus in Canada. If you’d like to stay updated about the species impacted by avian influenza, this government dashboard provides an up-to-date overview. Cornell Lab also shares a detailed list of affected species.
More commonly observed diseases among hummingbirds include fungal infections like candidiasis. This fungal infection causes a hummingbird’s tongue to swell, making it impossible for them to eat. As with other avian diseases, the spread of candidiasis can be prevented by cleaning feeders regularly.
You can find a detailed hummingbird feeder cleaning guidance here.
Colour Your Favourite Bird!
In honour of back-to-school season Wildlife Rescue is launching a colouring campaign!
Below you will find three different bird colouring pages. Get the wildlife lovers in your life to colour their favourite bird and post a photo of the creation on social media. Be sure to tag Wildlife Rescue for the chance to be featured online!
Download the templates here.
You can find all of our social media channels here:
- Facebook: Wildlife Rescue Association of BC
- Instagram: @wildliferescuebc
- Twitter/X: @WRAofBC
This initiative isn’t just for kids, feel free to share these templates with any colouring enthusiasts you know! If you don’t have social media, you can submit your work to giving@wildliferescue.ca
How to Safely Drop Off Wildlife
Hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife patients arrive at Wildlife Rescue due to window and car strikes, nest disturbances, and natural and human disturbances.
Below is your step-by-step guide that takes you through the process of dropping off rescued animals.
Found an animal in distress?
- If, at any time, you are unsure what to do please contact our Support Centre for advice on how to handle injured wildlife. This is the fastest way to get in touch with our Support Centre staff and volunteers who can help assess the situation and guide you through it. Never attempt to handle anything dangerous such as a bird of prey or bat yourself.
- If you are going to handle small songbirds or waterfowl, we suggest wearing gloves and a mask for the safety of animals and yourself. Use a cardboard box with small ventilation holes and a completely secure top. Place a towel inside and put the animal on the towel, closing the top quickly and securely. Place a towel over the box.
Dropping off at Wildlife Rescue:
- Please notify our Support Centre team by reporting a wildlife emergency.
- Our drop off hours vary seasonally, but our Support Centre is available to answer questions from 9:00-3:00 pm daily, 7 days a week (including holidays).
If you plan to drop wildlife at the centre during operating hours, please follow these instructions:
- Proceed to 5216 Glencarin Drive, on the south shore of Burnaby Lake.
- Please park in any of the parking spots in either parking lot.
- Follow the signage to our Admissions Centre where Wildlife Rescue personnel will guide you on next steps.
If you plan to drop wildlife at the centre after operating hours, please follow these instructions:
- Proceed to 5216 Glencarin Drive, on the south shore of Burnaby Lake.
- When you are within sight of the end of Glencarin Drive you will notice the Administration Building on your left with the clearly marked Intake Shed to the left of the stairs.
- Please park in any of the parking spots in either parking lot.
- Place the bird in a secured and ventilated box on the shelf inside the Intake Shed.
- Completely fill out the front side of the white intake form (located on the clipboard) so we know where the bird was found and what happened to it.
- Place the form under the box.
- Ensure the door to the Intake Shed is securely closed when you depart.
- Please consider donating to help care for the patient you have found here.
What is your Favorite Winter Bird?
Canada has a wide range of bird species. In British Columbia, we may host bird species for a longer period or at different times of the year, than other parts of Canada.
Give the Gift of Hope!
Giving Tuesday is a day dedicated to giving back, supporting the causes that matter most to you. As a wildlife lover, you can give the gift of hope and help injured wildlife from rescue to release.
Right now, we have dozens of animals in care that need your support. Birds like this young Swainson’s Thrush who was admitted to Wildlife Rescue after flying straight into a window. Although birds have excellent vision, surpassing humans in many ways, window strikes are common as birds see open sky and trees reflected in the glass. Hitting a solid pane of glass at full speed can be fatal.
Preparing Your Yard for Fall Friends
Your yard provides a rich resource of food and shelter to wildlife all year round. In the fall it can be more so as food and a safe place to live become harder to find. While you might want to tidy up your yard before the winter months, here are a few reasons why it is good to hold off.
- If you leave your plants to go to seed, you will be providing a food source for wintering birds. If you leave the plants after they go to seed, the old plant stems can provide shelter to a variety of wintering insects including bees. The dead stalks can be used as building materials for birds building their nests in the spring.
- If you leave your lawn long, you provide shelter for wintering insects which in turn will feed newly hatched birds in the spring.
- If you leave a few little leaf piles, these can provide a safe place for animals like frogs to hibernate. Rock piles can provide this as well, especially near water.
- If you have brush piles, they can provide protection for small mammals such as marmots, chipmunks and hares.
- If you have a pond that ices over in the winter, keep a hole in the ice so animals are able to access the water. You can make a hole in the ice without cracking it by placing a container of hot water on the ice to melt it. This method ensures that the animals can access the water without the danger of them falling through the ice.
Your yard is a precious resource for so many species of wildlife, thank you for taking care of it.
If you see a bird that has exposed bone or blood, bugs or insects covering it, no feathers, or a bird that is sleeping, human intervention is required. Please contact our Support Centre for assistance.
If you would like to help with the many efforts of the Wildlife Rescue Association, please click here to learn more.
Sora waterbird with a Candy-Corn Bill Survives Cat Attack
The Sora is a small waterbird of the family Rallidae, sometimes referred to as the sora rail or sora crake. This small chicken-like bird is chubby with uniquely long toes that help it to tackle floating vegetation when searching for food. Soras are grayish-brown with white-edged feathers, a dark throat patch with vertical white lines, a black mask from the bill to the eye and a white patch under the tail. The bill is bright yellow which might make you think of Hallowe’en candy corns.
Great Blue Heron Survivors Released to Rookery
Thanks to the efforts of Wildlife Rescue staff and you the young herons were raised under supportive care at Wildlife Rescue hospital. One heron was much older than the other and developed his skills quickly and therefore was released a few weeks earlier and the other joined him a few weeks later.
Group of California Quail Ready to Return Home
The large group of quails has been growing and developing slowly over the last few weeks and has gained weight and are starting to show signs of flight. They are not in the final stage of their pre-conditioning release and in a large enclosure that mimics their natural environment.
Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia
5216 Glencarin Drive, Burnaby, BC V5B 3C1
The Wildlife Rescue Association of BC is located on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to be on this beautiful shared territory.
Registered Charity #131373490RR0001
© Copyright 2025 WRA Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia. All rights reserved.