Include a Charity Week, is an awareness initiative encouraging more Australians to consider leaving a gift in their Will.
George Saliba is one of our many supporters remembering MS Research Australia in his Will. George has secondary progressive MS and was diagnosed over 20 years ago, “fortunately for me it’s been quite stable for a number of years now”, he says.
“When you’re first diagnosed you feel isolated even while you are surrounded by family and friends. When you reach out and find MS Research Australia, you become part of an organisation, which has the same purpose as you”.
George’s motivation to support MS Research Australia was driven by knowing what it is like to live with MS and by meeting many inspirational researchers who are dedicated to stopping and reversing the effects of MS.
“What really brought it to the forefront was the passing of my mother over four years ago”, George adds, “it got me thinking about leaving something that would benefit future generations.”
You too have the power to change the future for the next generation.
“It would be lovely to find the cure in my lifetime but if it isn’t found, then let’s hope it happens in somebody else’s lifetime. MS is completely different today than it was when I was diagnosed 20 plus years ago – the difference in that period of time is massive, and I believe all the research into MS that has happened in that time, has made this happen” George says.
“MS is a complex, confusing and confronting disease that takes a toll on those living with the disease, their families, friends and carers. In such a short amount of time, we’ve seen remarkable progress for the majority of people living with MS and this will exponentially increase over the next 5 years. Our goal is to ensure that everyone living with MS benefits from this incredible progress and not just some” says MS Research Australia CEO, Dr Matthew Miles.
Gifts in Wills are left by people from all walks of life and no matter how large or small the gift, it will drive the acceleration of MS research locally and globally for generations to come.
How to leave a gift in your Will
There are a few types of gifts in Will one can leave, typically most people leave a residual or percentage gift. This type of gift is flexible as you can allocate a share of your estate to MS Research Australia alongside catering for loved ones without having to know what your overall estate will be worth.
Alternatively, you can consider leaving a specific gift, which is a specified sum of cash or asset which you own. Unfortunately, gifts of these nature lose value with inflation.
Leaving a gift in your Will is a very personal decision. We encourage you to advise your loved ones of your intent and consult a solicitor when writing or editing your Will. “My friends and family were very proud as it wasn’t something they had thought about”, says George of leaving his gift.
When the time is right, we’d like you to consider leaving a gift in your Will. Your gift will have a lasting impact and continue transforming the lives of people with MS.
“The feeling you get is very fulfilling and gratifying, so if you can just do it”, George says, “it will be my legacy, knowing I’ve gifted this in my Will and this will help others when I’ve passed on…it’s a pleasing feeling.”
We’d love to hear from you
If you have already remembered MS Research Australia in your Will, we’d love to thank you personally. Alternatively, if you would like to receive further information about leaving a gift, please get in touch.
For a friendly chat, please contact Neil Robertson, Planned Giving and Relationship Coordinator on 1300 356 467 or send an email to giftsinwills@msra.org.au
