The Children’s Legacy Challenge

Thank you for taking the time to read these examples and for considering a legacy gift that will help sustain The Children’s far into the future.

Example 1

Richard would like to make a lasting impact with a legacy gift of $100,000 to the Children’s.

He confirms his commitment by completing the Legacy Challenge Campaign form and expresses his desire to champion research, one of the six key hospital priorities.

Here's the exciting part: 20% of his generous donation will be promptly matched. That means $20,000 from the Matching Pool is immediately directed to the hospital, fortifying current research initiatives.

But the impact doesn't end there:  

Richard’s legacy gift will ensure future support to sustain the Children’s, according to his instructions outlined in his last will and testament.

Richard’s total impact? A remarkable $120,000.

Example 2

Marie would like to make a lasting impact with a legacy gift of $3,000,000 to the Children’s.

She confirms her commitment by completing the Legacy Challenge Campaign form and expresses her desire to support mental health, one of the six key hospital priorities.

As a result 20% of her generous donation will be promptly matched up to a maximum of $200,000. That means $200,000 from the Matching Pool is immediately directed to the hospital for current mental health initiatives.

But the impact doesn’t end there:

Marie’s legacy gift will ensure future support to sustain the Children’s in accordance with her instructions, outlined in her last will and testament.

Marie's total impact? An incredible $3,200,000.

1. The Healthy Kids Fund

None of us can predict the future, particularly when it comes to treating children in a Hospital setting. On any given day, an infant, child, or teenager may require treatment that wasn’t anticipated, and providing that care may mean the difference between life and death. By supporting the Healthy Kids Fund, you give the Hospital the flexibility to direct funds where they are needed most, including direct help for families facing financial hardship due to their child’s illness or hospitalization.

2. Innovation to Fuel the Medicine of Tomorrow

Care and treatments today began with a vision in a laboratory. Investing in research, new technologies, and training the next generation of pediatric professionals will help to ensure that the next big discoveries happen. Furthermore, The Children’s will be able to attract and retain the best talent to care for our young patients.

3. Enhancing The Children’s Healing Environment

The Children’s focus on family and patient-centered care means that we put our children and their families first. From child life services to an art program designed to transform what a pediatric hospital can be, there are numerous opportunities to calm, educate, and entertain our young patients during difficult moments.

4. Specialized Care for Quebec’s Sickest Children

As a tertiary and quaternary pediatric hospital and a Level-1 trauma centre, The Children’s treats Quebec’s sickest babies, children, and adolescents. Our expert surgical teams perform more than 7,000 specialized procedures each year, while our ambulatory clinics receive 100,000 patient visits annually. Together we will ensure that our dedicated health professionals always have the tools they need to give every sick child the best chance of recovery or survival.

5. The Best Care for Moms and their Babies

With its state-of-the-art birthing centre, obstetrics program, and 52-bed neonatal intensive care unit, all on one floor, The Children’s offers the complete range of care for high-risk pregnancies, and for critically ill and premature newborns. Your support will make a difference in this quickly advancing field, leading to better outcomes and innovative ways to treat our most fragile patients.

6. Behavioural and Mental Health

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, 20% of Canadian children and youth will experience mental illness. The Children’s is at the forefront of this major health issue, with programs and services to address teens in crisis, eating disorders, neurodevelopmental challenges, and the unique needs of ASD (autism spectrum disorder) patients. Your gift will support the resources, tools, and space necessary to optimize every level of care.

Altruism: the ultimate symbol of success

Mitch Garber, C.M., and Anne-Marie Boucher on their moral obligation to help those in need.

Today, according to Mitch Garber, C.M., society deems a person successful based on material wealth, possessions, and career accomplishments. However, Mr. Garber and Anne-Marie Boucher say genuine success is less about accumulation and more about altruism. The couple strongly believes they have a moral obligation to share their good fortune.

Mr. Garber and Mrs. Boucher give their time and f inancial support to various causes, including The Children’s Foundation.

“We are extremely fortunate to live in a city, province, and country with the world’s highest living standards,” explained Mr. Garber. “And yes, we pay a lot of taxes. But our taxes only go so far. Take the health care system; our taxes pay for basic care. Individuals need to supplement those taxes to ensure excellent care.”

Mr. Garber points out that the world-class care and expertise found at The Children’s are largely thanks to donations from the community.

Join the revolution

Mr. Garber and Mrs. Boucher recently joined The Children’s Foundation’s Legacy Challenge by making the Foundation the beneficiary of their life insurance policies. The couple believes this will help improve the health and well-being of sick children in the future, plus the Legacy Challenge allows them to have a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients today.

“The Legacy Challenge, with its matching 20%, is unique. It is also an easy way to give back to your community and help children and families,” says Mrs. Boucher. “Don’t let updating your will or insurance policy dissuade you. It is easy to do. The team at The Children’s can walk you through the steps.”

Leave a legacy; make a difference

Mr. Garber and Mrs. Boucher believe that everyone can give back to society to help those in need, no matter their financial status. Even modest gifts make a big difference. The couple encourages everyone to make altruism a core value to create a society where generosity, compassion, and kindness are symbols of success and a life well-lived.

The Legacy Challenge, a family affair

In 1993, Christine underwent an innovative minimally invasive surgery at The Children’s to repair a hole in her heart. She was in the operating room at 8 a.m., and by 8 p.m. she was back at home playing. Christine’s experience illustrates The Children’s commitment to the continual advancement of pediatric care.

“At any other hospital in Montreal, my daughter would have undergone open heart surgery, followed by a lengthy recovery, and been left with a prominent scar,” said Greg Rokos, President and CEO at ESI Technologies.

A loyal advocate of The Children’s for the past 20 years, Mr. Rokos is a past Chair and current member of The Children’s Foundation Board of Directors and Campaign Cabinet. He donates both time and financial resources to ensure sick children from across Quebec benefit from the same high standard of care that profoundly impacted his family.

Taking it a step further, Mr. Rokos is participating in The Children’s Legacy Challenge. He has signalled his intent to leave a donation, or ‘bequest’ in his will. Thanks to this campaign, 20% of the value of his contribution, up to a maximum of $200,000, will be matched to support critically ill children who need help right now. Later, his legacy will empower The Children’s researchers, doctors, caregivers, and support staff to continue providing innovative care to benefit not only his descendants but also every sick child in Quebec, long into the future.

Mr. Rokos included his children in his gift planning decision. They were pleased with the news and consider it a gift from the entire family.

“I believe life is a balance. You must give to receive. You must give freely. I choose to give to innovative organizations or causes, like The Children’s, that help so many, just like they have with our family.”

Grateful, Steve leaves a legacy for The Children’s

In the seconds before Steve took his first breath, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that altered the course of his life.

Born in 1951, Steve’s birth was far from perfect. His mom was having difficulty during the delivery and in order to help, the physician used forceps to deliver Steve. Tragically, the forceps did irreparable damage. Steve was left with numerous physical disabilities, including curvature of his spine and involuntary muscle twitches in both wrists. He also developed hip dysplasia, which caused him to lose balance and fall. One fall even knocked him out.

Growing up, Steve was a regular at The Children’s. He had numerous medical appointments with neurologists, orthopedists and other specialists. He had five surgeries, each requiring a hospital stay.

“The Children’s was my second home,” recalled Steve. “I enjoyed my doctors’ appointments because they listened when I explained my problems and did everything in their power to help me. And they improved my quality of life.”

Steve said his physical disabilities made life challenging, but with determination, he achieved his goals. He encourages all children and teens, whatever their difficulties, to find ways to overcome limitations and lead a fully satisfying life. Now in his 70s, Steve has decided to leave half of his estate to The Children’s Foundation in recognition of the extraordinary care and support he has received.

His donation helps sick children today and in the future

The good news is that Steve has announced his bequest as part of the Foundation’s Legacy Challenge. This means that 20% of the value of Steve’s bequest to The Children’s will be matched, up to a maximum of $200,000. The matched funds will be immediately allocated to a hospital priority of Steve’s choice, at no additional cost to him. Steve’s legacy will improve the lives of children and families tomorrow, while allowing him to make an impact today.

Thank you, Steve! Your legacy will transform the future of healthcare for kids!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Children’s Legacy Challenge Campaign?
The Children’s Legacy Challenge Campaign uses matching dollars to inspire donors to create or confirm legacy gifts, such as gifts in Will or gifts of life insurance policies, to support a healthier tomorrow for our young patients.

How does the Legacy Challenge work?
When you confirm your legacy gift to benefit The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, 20% (up to a maximum of $200,000) of the value of your gift is matched right now. You can designate the matching gift to one of The Children’s top 6 priorities: The Healthy Kids Fund; Innovation to Fuel the Medicine of Tomorrow; Enhancing The Children’s Healing Environment; Specialized Care for Quebec’s Sickest Children; Best Care for Moms and their Babies; and Behavioural and Mental Health for Children and Teenagers.

Which donations qualify for The Children’s Legacy Challenge?
Legacy gifts eligible for matching funds include gifts in a will, gifts of life insurance policies, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift annuities.

How do I confirm my estate gift for the Legacy Challenge?
It’s simple! Please return the Legacy Challenge Gift Confirmation Form to The Foundation, which is included in this page. Should you wish, you can provide an excerpt of your will, a copy of your life insurance policy, or other documents related to your gift intention.

If I have already confirmed a future estate gift with The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, will it qualify for The Children’s Legacy Challenge?
Thank you for confirming your legacy gift with the Foundation. The Legacy Challenge Campaign is meant to encourage the creation of new legacy gifts or to inform The Foundation about previously established but unreported legacy gifts. However, if you have already informed us that you have made a bequest to The Foundation but have not communicated the details of this bequest and are willing to do so now, we will recognize this amount for the match. If you have already informed us of a bequest but would like to increase the value of that gift, the increased amount will be considered for the match.

Where can I designate my matching gift funds?
You can change or save a child’s life by designating your matching gift to one of The Children’s top 6 priorities: Healthy Kids Fund; Innovation to Fuel the Medicine of Tomorrow; Enhancing The Children’s Healing Environment; Specialized Care for Quebec’s Sickest Children; Best Care for moms and their babies; and Behavioural and Mental Health.

How long does The Children’s Legacy Challenge Campaign last?
The Legacy Challenge Campaign will last until December 31, 2026, or when all matching dollars are spent.

If I designate my legacy gift to a fund or program not listed among the 6 top priorities, will my investment still be eligible for the gift match?
Yes, your legacy gift can be directed to any area or program approved by the Hospital. Only the matching gift will be allocated to one of the six main priorities. We will be happy to guide you in your choices.

How can I provide for my family and at the same time support The Children’s?
Many people set aside part of their estate to support The Children’s, ensuring that the majority of the estate goes to their nearest and dearest.

Do I have to decide on a specific dollar amount for my legacy gift today?
Many people opt for leaving a gift as a percentage of their estate, allowing the gift to adjust to future changes. For the Legacy Challenge campaign, we recommend you provide us with your best estimate of the value of your estate, or your legacy gift so that we can calculate the matching gift of 20%.

What if the value of my legacy gift exceeds $1,000,000? Do I qualify for more than the maximum $200,000 in matching funds?
Thank you for your exceptional generosity. Your extraordinary gift will strengthen our ability to support The Children’s for many years to come. The maximum matching fund available for a single gift is $200,000.

Who made the Legacy Challenge Campaign possible?
Current major donors and undesignated bequests have contributed to the Matching Pool of $5 million. These donors believe in The Children’s mission and invest to support sick children now and well into the future.