Highlighting the difference a gift in a will can make

Highlighting the difference a gift in a will can make – Include a Charity Week

September 6-12th is Include a Charity Week. During the week, charities will get together to raise awareness of the real difference charitable gifts in wills (bequests) can make.

In the UK, 17% of people leave a charitable bequest in their will. In contrast, just 7.5% of New Zealanders do so. By 2019, we aim to raise this to 15%.

What happens during IAC week?

During IAC week, there will be TV commercials and online advertising, and IAC members (over 60 charities) will reach out to their supporters (through social media, DM campaigns, on their website etc.) to discuss the difference gifts in wills make to their work.

“Large and small charities all benefit from Kiwi generosity and, contrary to popular belief, bequests are not just for the rich and famous! Over 60 charities have joined together to form a united voice behind a campaign that provides so much social good for our communities,” says Include a Charity Chair Dianne Armstrong.

Dianne Armstrong, Chair of the IAC Trust, says New Zealand is an extremely generous nation, illustrated by donations to charities totalling $3.2 billion per year, and this generosity is increasing with the number and range of gifts that are left to charities in wills (around $220 million per year).

About 60% of Kiwis don’t have wills

In New Zealand, approximately 60% of people don’t have a will and this campaign strives to encourage people to ensure their families and loved ones are looked after by making a will, while at the same time considering gifting to charities they care about.

Studies show the probability of a person leaving a gift in their will to charity doubles if their lawyer suggests it as an option. So, our goal is also to get 1 in 3 NZ lawyers recommending bequests by 2017.

Dianne Armstrong says that people can’t always give regularly, but planning a gift in a will is an appealing way to show love and support for a charity’s work in a way that survives long after a person’s life.

“Our member charities, such as Forest & Bird and the Heart Foundation, have amazing stories about the gifts they have received — gifts that help future proof vital services and enable an ongoing commitment to research and conservation. Include a Charity week is a great time to share these stories about people who really want to make a difference in the world both now and long after they have gone,” she says.

ENDS

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