Friends in the Community 

Southcare and Bequests 

How things have changed.  It doesn’t seem that long ago that one heard retired Australians talking about what they would leave their children in their wills - they wanted to be sure to leave a good nest-egg so their children would have a secure life.  These days the conversation is more about how young people having everything they want even before they settle down – how well off they are compared to their parents at the same stage in life. One also hears seniors joking about living long enough to and enjoy life sufficiently to join the SKI club - Spend their Kids’ Inheritance. 

There is another alternative and we only need to look at our own Janet Elder House to appreciate it. This is when members of the community choose to make a bequest to a not-for-profit organisation that has supported them in some way during their lives. This could have been directly with assistance in looking after themselves or a family member, or indirectly by welcoming them as volunteers, giving them an interest during retirement. It can be because they felt that the organisation saved their child’s life or supported them through depression or other illness. It is like a thank you for being there when needed  - directly or indirectly. 

So if you are working on your will and believe that your family members don’t really need everything that you have accumulated in your lifetime – consider making a bequest to Southcare. Janet Elder did and the legacy of her generosity is enjoyed every day by the employees who now work in a modern, spacious building.  If the services offered by Southcare have made life better for you or a member of your family, consider making a bequest – it doesn’t have to be huge – but it will make a huge difference. 

What is a bequest?

A bequest is a gift that is contained within a Will and specifically reserves part of an estate for a particular beneficiary. Your bequest can be either named or anonymous.

A bequest of any size is valuable to Southcare. It may be:

• A sum of money from your estate

• A house or other property

• A fixed percentage of your estate

• Shares, bonds, life insurance policies, artworks

• Other personal property

By making a bequest to Southcare, you may be able to provide financial help not possible during your lifetime. It is a tangible way of making a lasting gift to ensure the services provided by Southcare will be available to the community in the years to come.

For a confidential discussion contact Vicki McBeth on 9450 6233.