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A bequest is the ultimate gift or donation and your chance to make a difference to those in need. Your gift could give a child the gift of hearing or speech, increase a child's mobility through the provision of a wheelchair, help with specialised medical and learning equipment or contribute to the Variety Sunshine Coach Program transporting children in special schools. The list is extensive.
Why leave a bequest to Variety?
By supporting Variety Victoria by making a bequest you can:
- improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families
- find new ways of supporting disadvantaged children
- help children gain freedom and independence
- support disadvantaged and disabled children in achieving their life goals
Many of these services would not be possible without generous donations such as yours.
Our Supporters
Variety has been incredibly fortunate over many years to have had the benefit of some very generous supporters. They have been generous with their time, fundraising endeavours and resources. These people are also able to see the work of Variety first hand and some chose to recognise Variety in their Wills.
Over the past few years several such people have sadly passed away, however their legacy to Variety reflects the passion they had for the organisation and the special children who are supported.
The Jeffery White House
Jeffery White was a long time supporter of Variety, and was a regular guest at signature functions such as the Great Grand Final Lunch.
After Jeffery passed away, his business partner Hank Span and his solicitor Lewis O’Brien identified Jeffery’s respect of Variety as an appropriate means of distributing funds left in his Estate.
In September 2006 this commitment became a reality when Hank and Lewis presented Variety a cheque on behalf of Jeffery’s memory for $925,000 to be used by Variety to buy the building in Port Melbourne outright.
This act of generosity will also fund an annual Grant to be presented in Jeffery’s name each year at a signature function.
How do I make a bequest to Variety?
Before you can make a bequest, you must make a will.
A Will is an important legal document that declares, in writing, how you would like your assets to be distributed amongst your loved ones after your passing. In Australia, if we pass on without a Will (intestate), our assets are distributed according to the laws of the State, rather than our own personal wishes. By leaving a Will, you can be assured your estate will provide for those closest to you, and the causes closest to your heart.
A generosity felt for generations
A bequest is a special gift and can be anonymous if you wish. It is an instruction contained within your Will that specifically reserves part of an estate for a particular beneficiary. Bequests can be made in a number of ways to reflect your specific wishes. You can define personal assets such as shares, bonds, property, a fixed sum (legacy), or simply a percentage (residue) of an estate. Your bequest provides an opportunity for you to make a tangible and lasting gift. It remains a very special way of securing the future for others beyond your lifetime.
If you need to make your Will
1. Choose a Solicitor
Although there are many ‘Do-it-yourself' Will kits available, it is highly recommended you utilise the services of a solicitor to help you prepare your Will and accurately record your wishes. Furthermore, if you do draw up your own Will, there is a great possibility it could be deemed invalid, causing a great deal of hardship and expense in the future for family and loved ones.
2. Think about what you may leave behind
Before meeting with your solicitor consider what you are leaving behind:
Your home and any other real estate
Vehicles, furniture, personal effects and other items
Bank and Credit Union cash and savings
Insurance policies and other death benefits
Stocks and shares
Pension benefits
Superannuation
Any liabilities
3. Decide on your beneficiaries
Your immediate family, special friends and loved ones will naturally be the first you consider when drawing up your Will. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on minimising your liability to any applicable taxes. They may also advise on appointing guardians and setting up a trust for any young children you want to provide for. You may wish to consider appointing a Power of Attorney. After taking due care of those closest to you, you may wish to leave a bequest to a particular charity or charities - and if you do, we hope you will consider Variety Victoria. If you do decide to leave a tax deductible gift to Variety, the specific wording for the variants are set out overleaf. Please remember to discuss this wording with your solicitor when your Will is prepared or amended.
4. Complete the formalities and keep your Will safe
It is important to appoint one or more executors, whether it is your solicitor together with family members or friends. It will be their responsibility to carry out the instructions enclosed in your Will. You should also keep your Will in a safe and secure place and be sure to tell your family and/or executors where to locate it. Also, you must ensure you keep your Will up to date and make any necessary amendments in response to changes in your circumstances. This brochure does not seek to provide legal advice. We strongly recommend you obtain such advice from a registered solicitor.
Wording for your Will
The following clauses are intended as a guide only for consideration when making your Will, or alterations to it by way of codicil. It is important that you consult your solicitor to ensure that the wording is appropriate for the bequest you wish to make and for your particular circumstances.
For a specific legacy
"I, Give and Bequeath to Variety Victoria Incorporated, the sum of $________ for its general charitable purposes free of all duties and taxes payable upon or in consequence of my death and I declare that the receipt of its Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised officer for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors."
For a residual gift
"I, Give, Bequeath and Appoint _______% of my estate to Variety Victoria Incorporated, for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of its Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised officer or the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors."
To effect a codicil
This codicil dated________________ is made
by___________________________
of_____________________
You may use whichever clause above best suits your wishes. Your solicitor will provide you with assistance.
Your bequest, no matter how big or small, is greatly valued. We sincerely thank you for considering Variety Victoria in your plans for the future.
If you would like to discuss our Bequest Program in more detail, please contact info@varietyvic.org.au
or phone 03 8698 3900
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