Leave a gift in your Will
Leaving a gift in your will to Fight Parkinson’s no matter how large or small, creates a legacy where you continue to help those living with Parkinson’s get the most out of their lives.
Your gift will allow those living with Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s access the most comprehensive and advanced information, education and support programs.
This specialised support includes:
- Connecting with others facing similar struggles through our Peer Support Group network
- Accessing our online Education Hub where individuals can increase their knowledge and learn how to better manage their condition
- Access to our health information line managed by our multi-disciplinary health team
Best of all, your gift will ensure people living with Parkinson’s and their carers can access these programs and services FREE of charge.
Your gift will ensure Fight Parkinson’s can continue to be there for the whole Parkinson’s community when they need us the most.
Are you thinking about creating a Will and leaving a gift or bequest?
A gift in your will is a simple and powerful way to provide ongoing support to the Parkinson’s community.
Living with Parkinson’s as it progresses is a fight. Your gift ensures no one needs to fight alone.
Whether you are creating a Will for the first time or updating an existing Will, it is very easy to leave a gift (bequest) in your Will to Fight Parkinson’s.
There are many ways you can leave a gift to Fight Parkinson’s in your Will. A solicitor or other qualified professional can help make the choice that’s right for you. There are a few things to keep in mind when future planning including:
- Gaining an understanding of what your Estate may look like. This can include assets such as property, investments, superannuation or shares minus any debts.
- Think about who you would like to support into the future whether that is your family, friends or your favourite charity.
- Consider who will execute your Will and wishes as you will need to appoint and name them in your Will. It’s a good idea to name at least 2 people as executors. Before doing so, check they are happy for you to do this. You can name a bank or solicitor as an executor if you wish.
We at Fight Parkinson’s also have an annual information session with Maurice Blackburn who can speak about Will making in more detail. Get in touch with us if you would like more information.
How to leave a bequest or gift in your Will
When creating your Will, you may want to engage with a legal professional to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. If you don’t know any lawyers, you can ask your friends and family to recommend one or contact the Law Institute of Victoria on (03) 9607 9311.
Prior to meeting drawing up your Will you may want to consider the type of gift/ bequest to include.
Types of gifts in Wills/ bequests
Residuary gift
This is what remains of your estate once other gifts and payments have been made. A residuary gift will keep pace with inflation meaning you are able to choose what proportion of your estate is left to friends, family, or charity.
Percentage gift
This gift can be a percentage of your primary estate or residuary estate, as determined by you. The significant consideration with this type of gift is that it will work in conjunction with inflation, which means that your gift will be realised in line with your intentions, fulfilling your legacy.
Pecuniary gift
This is a set amount of money determined by you at the time of making or changing your Will. The value of which may decrease over time due to inflation.
Specific gift
A gift of a specific item, such as property or shares.
What to include in your Will when leaving a gift/bequest
When going to write up your Will, you can supply your solicitor with the following suggested wording:
If you are leaving a residuary gift
“I give all (or …% of) the residue of my Estate to Parkinson’s Victoria Ltd, now operating as Fight Parkinson’s, for the general/ research purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”
If you are leaving a percentage gift
“I give X% from my whole/ residuary Estate to Parkinson’s Victoria Ltd, now operating as Fight Parkinson’s, for its general/ research purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”
If you are leaving a pecuniary gift
“I give $X from my Estate to Parkinson’s Victoria Ltd, now operating as Fight Parkinson’s, for its general/ research purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”
If you are leaving a specific gift
“I give to Parkinson’s Victoria Ltd, now operating as Fight Parkinson’s, the sum of $_______ (or item) for its general/ research purposes free of all duties and taxes payable upon or in consequence of my death. I declare that the receipt of the Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”
No matter what type of gift or the size of your gift, you will be making powerful change which will help support people living with Parkinson’s.
Fight Parkinson’s organisational details
When engaging with your solicitor you may be asked for Fight Parkinson’s details which are the following:
Parkinson’s Victoria Ltd now operating as Fight Parkinson’s
587 Canterbury Road (PO Box 239)
Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Keep your will safe
Your solicitor will often look after it for you, but you may wish to retain your own copy too. Or you may have written up your own Will. Make sure to tell a relative or close friend where the original copy of your will is stored.
Thank you for including Fight Parkinson’s in your Will
If you have included Fight Parkinson’s in your Will, we want to thank you personally, and by advising us of your gift in Will this will help Fight Parkinson’s in planning to increase our ability in supporting people with Parkinson’s into the future through research and supports.
Engage with Tiara Rajesh (Philanthropy Specialist) by phone (03) 8809 0424 or email at tiara.rajesh@fightparkinsons.org.au.