Did you know that each year around £2bn is raised for
charity from gifts left in Wills? That’s nearly 20 times more than they raised during
Comic Relief last year!
Much of the fantastic work done by charities can only be done because of the generosity of those who have left them a gift in their Will, like the Alzheimer’s Society who last year received £14m.
Despite the incredible work that is done as a result of
those who leave a gift to charity, only 6% of us actually mention a charity in
our Will. That is why Remember a Charity are having a Remember a Charity in
your Will awareness week from the 8th – 14th of September
so that even more of us are inspired to make a difference, even when we’re no
longer here.
Remember a Charity have made this film The Living Legends to inspire people to do something as generous and as easy as leaving a gift to charity in their Will.
Writing a Will is the perfect way to ensure that your
loved ones are provided for once you have passed away, but after you have taken
care of them you can also make a huge difference to a cause you feel strongly
about. However small or large your gift, it would be greatly appreciated by the
charity of your choice.
If you have already made your Will but have not left a gift
to charity you do not have to create a new Will to do so. A Codicil is a
handwritten amendment that can be made to your Will in which you can add or
remove certain gifts. Although there’s plenty of information and guides online
in regards to Codicils you may want to seek professional advice to make sure
that it is legally sound.