Leave a Legacy / Charitable Bequest

You will of course have heard how important it is to have a Will and last testament (“Will”) and you may have already created one, however have you considered that this is an opportunity to help those more in need by leaving a charitable bequest? A bequest made in your Will ensures that you continue to make a difference beyond your lifetime.

UnitingCare Wesley Bowden welcomes the support it receives from such bequests as they can help fund the charity in the long term to continue to deliver services such as Emergency Assistance to the homeless, Child Care Services, Respite Care, Parenting Programmes etc.

So, why should I have a Will?
It’s very important to have a Will and everyone should have one. You make a Will to ensure that your loved ones are looked after once you are gone.

Why should I make a Charitable Bequest?
Just like ensuring that your loved ones are looked after, by making a charitable bequest you are leaving a gift to a cause that you believe in ensuring that you make a difference beyond your lifetime.

By making a charitable bequest to UnitingCare Wesley Bowden your gift will help us to continue to offer support and services to those most in need within South Australia, ensuring a better quality of life.

How do I make a Bequest?
Legally you can write your own Will but it is best to consult a Solicitor or Trustee Company for legal advice that can ensure that your wishes are properly expressed and carried out. If you already have a Will but now wish to make a charitable bequest then your Will can be amended at any time to accommodate this. If you do not have a Will then by taking the following steps you will be ready to see your Solicitor or Trustee Company to begin the process of writing one.

• List all of your assets together with any current loans and debts that you may have.
• Think of the people and charities to which you wish to leave your assets; it may be helpful to write these down so as you don’t miss anything out.
• Decide how you would like to have your assets distributed, ensuring always that your current loans and debts are paid before any of your assets are distributed.
• Choose who you would like to be the Executor to carry out the wishes in your Will.

What kind of Gift can I leave?
You can make a bequest to UnitingCare Wesley Bowden in a number of ways:

• Leave a specific amount of money to the charity.
• Donate a percentage of your estate.
• Leave the residue of your estate after other distributions have been made.
• Gift specific property e.g. shares or works of art.
• Set up a charitable trust.

Your Solicitor or Trustee Company can assist you in setting up any of these bequests, including giving you advice on the wording to use if you wish to write your own Will.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a simple, low-cost solution to preparing your Will you may like to visit www.easywill.com.au which enables you to prepare your Will online for only $25. “Easywill” is backed by one of Australia’s leading providers of estate planning services.

If you wish to talk to anyone further about leaving a Charitable Bequest to UnitingCare Wesley Bowden then please contact Natalie, Volunteer & Fundraising Coordinator on (08) 8245 7115.

Thank you for considering supporting UnitingCare Wesley Bowden by leaving a gift that will continue to make a difference beyond your lifetime!

Disclaimer: The information on these pages about Bequests seeks to inform and should not be taken as legal advice.