Bumper bequests: Roger’s generosity will help thousands of New Zealanders
Create a will online
A lifetime love of tramping prompted Roger to leave a gift in his will to the Federated Mountain Clubs Mountain and Forest Trust.
It’s a cause the community-minded Cantabrian believes in – one of nine charities he’s leaving cash gifts of up to $50,000 to in his will.
Roger recounts tramping “all around the place”, staying in Department of Conservation huts with friends, including a memorable trip climbing up Tapuae-o-Uenuku, in the inland Kaikoura mountain range.
Though Roger, now 83, is past the age of tramping, he donates regularly and enjoys all the updates he receives.
Founded in 1931, the charity advocates for the outdoor recreation community.
“They work on access for people into the back country and I’ve always held that fairly close to my heart,” Roger says.
Generosity leaving a lasting impact
Roger is single with no children. He’s pleased knowing his money will have a lasting impact on the community.
Another important cause he’s leaving money to is his local church where he goes every Sunday for mass.
As well as the cash gifts, Roger has also set up a charitable trust. This means when he dies, the interest earned from his assets in the trust will ensure money continues flowing through to selected charities he’s chosen.
“If the money that I’ve saved can help people, that’s what I want and that’s great. It’s no use to me when I’m up the chimney.”
Roger says after his sister died in 2018 he knew he had to update his will as she was a beneficiary.
He spent time considering what charities were important to him.
“They’ve all got a social conscience,” he explains, listing the SPCA, Red Cross, Blind Low Vision, Heart Foundation, Salvation Army, Fred Hollows, Stroke Foundation and Christchurch City Mission.
“I want my money to go to worthwhile organisations – well known with a great history – to help other people. They’re serving lots of people and they need to be funded.”
Roger explains though he’s currently in good health, he’s “not going to last forever”.
“I thought, ‘What am I going to do with the money when I go?’”I started to search around for a few places that I wanted to distribute it to.”
Roger enjoys a simple life
Roger says he’s had a good life – though he hopes it isn’t over anytime soon.
“I’m not distressed about the idea of dying, it’s part of life,” he says.
He says he’s watched loved ones, friends and colleagues die early in life.
“I’ve been very fortunate to get to my age.”
Roger’s making a difference
Roger’s always been a good saver, and he says he’s of that generation where money wasn’t wasted. “I can’t see any point in spending money for the sake of it, I don’t get pleasure out of just buying things. I have what I need.”
“I try not to waste money. I’m not a spender but I spend enough to keep the show on the road and keep myself healthy.”
Roger has lived in the same house all his life – his father built it in 1924, meaning it’s now over 100 years old.
He said his way of living might be a different approach compared to others, but he’s happy with it – treating himself every now and then to peppermint chocolate, his favourite.
It’s through this saving, and now his generosity, that hundreds of thousands of dollars will be put to use by charities around New Zealand, improving the lives of thousands of people.
By leaving a gift in your will, your values will live on, ensuring that the causes and communities closest to your heart thrive beyond your lifetime.
Your will can shape a better future.