Having given a lifetime of service to people in need, Reverend Warren and Lorraine Bartlett are going one step beyond by bequeathing their assets to SHARE.
“We got involved with SHARE when it was first formed. When we were asked if we would bequest, the answer was yes, of course,” Warren says.
A trained psychologist and former Uniting Church Moderator, Warren believes inclusiveness and flexibility of fund allocation are key to providing the changing support needs for people in society.and says this is where the future of emergency aid lies.
“When I was Moderator, I emphasised how important it was to have as few restrictions on money as possible – because times change. A bequest means the funds can be used in a flexible way and will go to the areas which need
it the most.”
“And who knows where the money can be best served in years to come?”
Warren says this also encourages more inclusiveness of recipients who need it the most.
“As society changes and becomes more complex, inclusiveness is very important. If you are committed to being an agent of God’s love, compassion and inclusiveness, let that also happen after you die. This is what we have done.”
After 29 years living overseas, Joshua and Wendy returned to Tasmania in 2004 to live on 250 acres of bush and farmland near Launceston. Below, they talk about their decision to leave a bequest to SHARE in their Will.
“Reaching out to the community is something I feel strongly about,” says Wendy. “We have a beautiful home in a beautiful location. I have to pinch myself sometimes to believe we are here. My heart goes out to people who are homeless. “
Joshua says that both Wendy and he grew up in loving Christian families and church communities.
“It seemed sensible to give something back. Looking at SHARE’s newsletters, we liked what SHARE do and how they do it. Wendy and I discussed it and decided that yes, we wanted to help.”
A gift in your Will is a simple way that your support for SHARE can live on long after you have gone. It’s a way of sharing assets – money, property, or valuables – that you may need and use now, but can share when you no longer need them.
You can ensure that your support for people suffering hardship – those who are homeless and hungry, those with mental health problems and those whose children are going to school hungry, those who are part of the ‘working poor’ of Victoria and Tasmania – continues.
There are different ways of making a bequest in your Will (a percentage of your estate, the residue, a specific amount or specific item/s). The correct wording should be:
“I……………………………………………………………………………………
of ………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………….Postcode…………………..
hereby give and bequeath to the SHARE Community Appeal (or its legal successor) through the Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Victoria) ………..percentage of my estate ** (OR the sum of $ ………………; the residue of my estate; or specific item/s or property)
And declare the receipt of the Treasurer or Proper Officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Trustee/s.”
** You can nominate here if you wish – a specific purpose for your bequest.
Please, let us know how much you care….
Knowing that you care enough to provide for SHARE in your Will makes a big difference to us; it enables us to look to the future and plan with confidence. It also gives us the opportunity to involve you in our plans now, and to share with you our exciting vision for the future.
By knowing of your intentions, we can make sure that this Bequest will carry out your specific wishes. People often feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to talk about their generosity. While we understand that, we would ask you to advise us (in complete confidence of course) of the provision that you have made.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss your wishes further, do not hesitate to speak confidentially to our Donor Relations Manager at the SHARE Office on (03) 9251 5484 or via email bequests@victas.uca.org.au.