Valentine’s Day reminds us to say, “I love you.”
Family Day reminds us of who we’re saying it to.

Together, these holidays offer an opportunity to do something that cannot be captured in a card, yet can mean everything to those you care about most.

Make (or Update) Your Will and Talk About it With Your Loved Ones.

Not because you’re expecting the worst.
But because you want to make things easier, clearer, and kinder for the people you love whenever the time comes.

A Will is An Act of Love.

A Will isn’t only a legal document. It’s guidance. It’s protection. It’s peace of mind.

When someone passes away without a Will or with one that’s outdated, families are often left trying to figure out what to do while they’re already navigating grief. In real terms, that can mean:

  • Uncertainty about who should make decisions
  • Delays and more paperwork than expected
  • Added costs
  • Stress and tension between family members
  • The heavy feeling of “I hope we’re doing what they would have wanted”

A Will doesn’t remove sadness.
But it can remove confusion. And that is a powerful gift.

Family Day is a Perfect Time to Start a Conversation.

Family Day often gives us something rare: a pause in the calendar.

A little time to be together. A little breathing room. A little space to think ahead.

That’s why this long weekend can be a surprisingly good time to ask simple, practical questions like:

  • If something were to happen to me, would my family know what to do?
  • Do I trust the person I’ve named as executor?
  • Would my loved ones know where to find my documents?
  • Have I shared what matters most to me?

You don’t need to make it a big, heavy discussion.
You can start small.

“We Don’t Talk About That.”

That’s common. Many families avoid Will conversations because they feel uncomfortable or emotional.

Here’s a kinder way to frame it:

This Isn’t a Conversation About Death. It’s a Conversation About Love and Care.

You might say:

  • “I’ve been thinking about how much I love you, and I want to make things easier someday.”
  • “I’m updating my Will this year. I want you to know where it is and who I chose as Executor.”
  • “If something happened, I’d want you supported—not overwhelmed.”

Often, loved ones feel relieved when someone finally says it out loud.

5 Practical Steps You Can Take This Month

If you’ve been meaning to get organized, here are a few simple steps that make a real difference:

  • Create or Update Your Will.
    If you already have one, take a look: Are your Executor and beneficiaries still the right choices?
  • Choose Your Executor and Talk to Them.
    Being an Executor is an important responsibility. The most caring thing you can do is ask someone directly and make sure they feel comfortable.
  • Make a “Where Things Are” List.

A short list goes a long way:

  • Where your Will is stored
  • Key documents (insurance, property, IDs)
  • Professional contacts (lawyer, accountant, financial advisor)
  • Any important account information (kept securely)

 

  • Write Down a Few Personal Wishes.
    This could include funeral preferences, guardianship wishes, and any other information you would like your family to know.
  • Consider Leaving a Gift in Your Will to Charity.
    This is one of the most meaningful ways to reflect your values and create impact that lasts.

A Legacy Gift is Love That Extends Beyond Your Lifetime.

Many people assume that leaving a gift in a Will is only for the wealthy. It isn’t.

A charitable gift in your Will can be any size, and it can be structured in a way that takes care of your family first.

For organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, legacy gifts help provide stability and long-term support, so programs can continue matching young people with mentors, strengthening confidence, and helping children and youth build brighter futures.

In a world where needs keep growing, legacy giving is a way to say:

“Family mattered to me. Community mattered to me. This future matters too.

This season, let love include a plan.

This Valentine’s Day and Family Day, consider giving your loved ones something deeply practical:

  • A plan they can follow
  • Decisions they don’t have to guess
  • Reassurance that you thought ahead with care

And if Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley has been important to you—or you believe in the power of mentorship to change a life—consider making that part of your story too.

A gift in your Will is one of the most meaningful ways to support the next generation.

If you’d like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, we would be honoured to speak with you.

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley at legacy.fraservalley@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or 604-852-3331.

 

Because love isn’t only what we say.
Sometimes, it’s what we put in place.