St. Thomas and Elgin County is a community where people believe passionately in making a lasting, local impact.

Many generous community members leave a gift in their will to ensure the future of heartfelt healthcare at STEGH. Gifts of all sizes can make a significant difference.
A gift in your will or estate can also provide valuable tax benefits and possibly an additional source of income for life. You can also make your gift in honour of, or, in memory of a loved one.

Please note: The STEGH Foundation recommends that you speak with your lawyer, accountant, and/or financial advisor to ensure the type and timing of your gift is right for you.

Leave a Gift in Your Will

For a confidential discussion about legacy giving, or for more information, please contact:
Bobbi-Jo Gardiner
Director of Development
519.631.2030 ext. 2249

bobbi-jo.gardiner@steghfoundation.ca

Legacy Stories

Visit our Stories of Heart page to read more about our generous donors.
Stories of Heart

Ways to Give

Below you will find information about a number of ways you can make a planned gift. And for your ease, you can also download the following forms:

Click to download the following forms:

A Gift in Your Will

A charitable donation made as a gift in your Will for the STEGH Foundation is a highly effective way to reduce Estate taxes and may also help you make a larger gift than you ever thought possible.

Ways to include a donation in your Will:

  • A specified dollar amount
  • A specified percentage (or share)
  • A residual gift (what’s left after you have provided for your family and other loved ones)

Securities & RRSPs/RRIFs

A gift of publicly traded securities can generate greater tax savings for donors compared to a donation of cash following the sale of the same securities.

By transferring the securities directly to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, donors can eliminate all capital gains tax on their gift.

Gifts of publicly traded securities include:

  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual funds
  • Other marketable securities

A Gift of Life Insurance

A gift of life insurance can be made in several ways:

You can take out a new policy in the name of the STEGH Foundation, and receive a charitable tax receipt for the cash value of the policy and any premiums you pay.

If you name the STEGH Foundation as the beneficiary of an existing policy, the Foundation will receive the proceeds of the policy and your Estate will receive the tax benefits.

When you transfer ownership of an existing policy to the STEGH Foundation, you will receive a charitable tax receipt for the cash value of the policy. If you continue to pay premiums on the policy, you will receive an income tax receipt each year equal to the premiums paid.

Amasa Wood Legacy Society - image of historic STEGH hospital building

Join the Amasa Wood Legacy Society

When you confirm your planned gift intention, you are recognized as a member of the Amasa Wood Legacy Society. 

As a Legacy donor, you will be invited to exclusive events that will keep you informed about the continued evolution of this exceptional award-winning facility.

Members of the Amasa Wood Legacy Society make a ‘second gift’ because their example can influence others to make the same heartfelt and long-lasting commitment.

For the health of our loved ones and neighbours, forever.
Amasa Wood

A Lasting Legacy

Amasa Wood (1811 – 1899) was raised on a farm located approximately two kilometres east of Burwell’s Corners (Talbot Settlement).

An early introduction into merchandising demonstrated his aptitude for business, and Amasa grew up to be a successful merchant and trader in Fingal. In 1850, he began a second career in securities and real estate which spanned the counties of Elgin, Kent, Norfolk, Middlesex and Huron. In his retirement in approximately 1877, Amasa moved from Fingal to St. Thomas.

In addition to his success in business, Amasa was also known for his many acts of philanthropy. He was regarded by area residents as a “fountain of kindness.” His greatest charitable work was considered to be St. Thomas’s first hospital, the Amasa Wood Hospital, which he founded and built as a gift to the citizens of St. Thomas in 1892.