For animal-lover Kate, leaving a gift in her will to the SPCA was an extension of the financial support she’s been giving the charity for decades.
“Anything I can do to help animals who suffer from the hands of people or unforeseen circumstances… I wanted to help,” Kate says.
“Donating to the SPCA was a good way to do that, and working them into my will just seemed like a natural thing to do to keep my support going after I’m gone.”
From 14-20 July, Wills Week celebrates the power of your will to make a difference in the lives of whānau, friends and in building stronger communities. This resonates with Kate, and she’s encouraging others to consider leaving a gift in their will (also known as a bequest) to a cause important to them, like she has.
“I have my little cat Bowie, who has just turned 10,” Kate says.
“She’s an SPCA cat and very precious to me. I know lots of people have had pets from the SPCA over the years, and they’re such great little animals. It makes me quite sad to think what would have happened to them if the SPCA wasn’t there for them when they needed them.”
Kate says a gift in a will, or bequest, is a way for people to “spread the love a little bit” and make sure the organisations you love and care about benefit from your passing.
“When it comes to charities, even a few thousand dollars can make a big difference to them. So, as much as you can afford to leave them, while looking after your family is, I’m sure, very welcomed by them and it’s an easy way to do it.”
Celebrating good will this Wills Week
For Kate, the power of her will is simple.
“Having a will means to me you’re in more control of what happens even after you die. Without a will, your wishes may not be carried out – or not in a straightforward way. It’s putting the power back in your hands.”
Kate, who lives in Tauranga, said updating her will had been on her list for a long time. Since she wrote her last will, she has bought a house, got married and had children – and welcomed her fur-baby Bowie into her life.
“My old will was wildly out of date and it had been on my to-do list. Several years passed again and I thought I’ve got to get it sorted. It is such a good feeling having it done,” explains Kate, who wrote her will online using Public Trust's online platform.
After caring for your whānau and friends, consider leaving a gift in your will to help build stronger communities for generations to come. Your will can shape a better future.
There’s no time like the present. Make a difference this Wills Week by making or updating your will with Public Trust.