Nearly 100 charities have teamed up this week to encourage more Australians to leave a gift to charity in their will.
While 89 per cent of Australians support charities in their lifetimes, currently only 7.5 per cent leave a bequest to charity. Include a Charity is hoping to see that figure increased to 12 per cent by 2020, to make an additional $440 million available to charities.
One couple who have decided to support a charity after their deaths are retired Leura barrister and author, Gabriel Farago, and his wife, Joan. They will leave their estate to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
Many of Australia’s favourite charities are supporting the campaign, including the Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council Australia, the Taronga Foundation, Royal Flying Doctor Service and The Smith Family.
Together, they are working to do what no single charity can do on their own – normalise the process of leaving a gift in one’s will to favourite charities.
“Including a gift in one’s will is an opportunity for people to leave a life-changing legacy. In addition to volunteering or donating in one’s lifetime, it’s another way people can support the causes they are passionate about, and make an impact for years to come,” said Jakki Travers from Include a Charity.
The team is also reaching out to more than 3,000 solicitors who specialise in will writing to help them educate clients about the possibility of leaving gifts in their wills. More information at www.includeacharity.com.au.