You don’t have to be rich to leave a gift in your will for a charity, says big-hearted Dubbo retiree Ken Collins.
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The 74-year-old with multiple sclerosis and a determination to live life to the full knows donations of all sizes make a difference.
He’s left a gift in his will for Multiple Sclerosis Limited which has helped him understand and manage his condition.
Mr Collins is speaking up as Include a Charity Week approaches.
Almost 100 charities including Cancer Council Australia, World Vision and White Ribbon Australia will come together from September 10 to 16 to promote the importance to them of gifts in wills.
Their research shows only 7.4 per cent of Australians leave a gift for a charity even though 25 per cent would like to.
About 65 per cent of Australians considered it acceptable for solicitors to ask about leaving a bequest when preparing wills for clients.
Mr Collins, who gardens, vacuums, undertakes woodwork and DIY projects from his wheelchair, is encouraging others to listen to the campaign message.
“A lot of people, and probably me included, thought that you had to be wealthy to leave a gift in a will,” he said.
“But that’s not the case and you can give whatever you can afford.”
Mr Collins and his wife Marilyn have previously been active in the community in raising money for Multiple Sclerosis Limited and awareness of the disease.
Include a Charity Week features the opportunity to view a free list of matters to consider in the will-writing process including “who to talk to before you start writing, common mistakes to avoid and how to make a lasting impact after you’re gone”.
A list of charities is also at www.includeacharity.com.au.
