Leaving a Lasting Legacy (Bequests)

For some, the best way they can leave a lasting legacy ensuring the well-being of future generations is to include a bequest to a charitable organisation in their Will. If you are considering including a bequest to UnitingCare Harrison in your Will, you can rest assured that your legacy will continue to assist children, families, those with a disability and the homeless well into the future.

You might like to specify your bequest be used in an area which you have a particular interest, such as Disability Services. Alternatively, you might prefer a general bequest which enables us to use your bequest to help those people most in need of assistance at the time. If you are considering making a bequest to UnitingCare Harrison, the first step is to ensure that you have an up-to-date Will.

Why Make a Will?

A Will is your opportunity to provide for your family or loved ones and to contribute to the ongoing work of those organisations that you admire and support. It clearly states your particular wishes and can prevent family concern or argument. Without a Will your life savings and assets will be distributed according to State Law that may not reflect your intentions.

To Make a Will

1. List all your current assets, together with their approximate individual value.
2. Decide how and to whom (the Beneficiaries) you would like these assets (your Estate) to be distributed. You can nominate specific values or portions of your Estate to be received. See below for types of Bequests.
3. Choose an Executor – a trusted knowledgeable person or a company. Upon agreeing to the task your Executor is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of your Will are enacted to your wishes.
4. Visit a Solicitor or Trustee Company, with the above information. These people will help you to put the exact, unambiguous details of your Will into words.
5. Review your Will from time to time, to ensure that your changing circumstances are considered in your Will. Remember to consult your Solicitor or Trustee as any alterations to your Will must be signed and witnessed in the appropriate manner.

To Make a Bequest

If you decide that you would like to continue supporting UnitingCare Harrison for generations to come, simply mention this to your solicitor and ask for it to be included in your Will.

Decide the type of bequest you wish to make to UnitingCare Harrison:

• general gift or an Unfettered Bequest to be used as deemed appropriate at that current time. It can help meet the present identified needs and finance new initiatives.
• named gift for a particular service, program or group that reflects your interests.

Your Bequest may take the form of:

1. A percentage of your estate
   This will ensure that if inflation or any unforseen circumstances deplete your estate, the original intent of your gift will be honoured.
   The following words can be used:
   
   I ______________ give and bequeath ______________ (specify what proportion, whole or part) of my estate to UnitingCare Harrison and the receipt of the Treasurer of UnitingCare Harrison shall be sufficient discharge for my Trustee.
   
   
2. A specific gift
   This can be a specific amount of money, a property, works of art, an insurance policy, shares or anything of value.
   The following words can be used:
   
   I give ______________(specify gift) ______________ to UnitingCare Harrison for the purpose of the said organisation and the receipt of the Treasurer of UnitingCare Harrison shall be sufficient discharge for my Trustee.
   
   
3. A Residual Bequest
   The residue of your estate, after other distributions have been made to family and friends, forms your Bequest.
   
   
4. The whole of your estate
   You may wish your total estate to be used in a certain way or in specific areas. Please share your plans with us so we can make sure that your money is spent in the way in which you would approve.
   
   
5. A Life Interest or Reversionary Bequest
   You may wish to leave certain property to a family member or friend for use in their lifetime which then reverts to UnitingCare Harrison on their death.
   
   
6. Other provisions as advised by your Solicitor or Trustee Company.

Legal Title

The legal title for all Bequests is: UnitingCare Harrison

Street address:
1012 Little Burwood Highway, Knox City
Wantirna South VIC 3152

Postal address:
PO Box 4503, Knox City
Wantirna South, VIC 3152

Do you wish to discuss this or obtain further information? Please contact the Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Webber, on (03) 9871 8700, or by email (stephanie.webber@harrison.org.au)