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Each year many caring Australians choose to remember Australian Red Cross in their Will. Their generosity helps us to continue to provide for the most vulnerable amongst us, in rural communities and towns right across the country. When you remember Australian Red Cross in your Will you become a partner in our life changing work and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
We realise that leaving a bequest in your Will is an important decision and will need a lot of consideration. To help you with this we have prepared a complimentary booklet - "The Australian Red Cross guide to Wills and making a Bequest" - which includes useful information on your Will and Australian Red Cross. It also includes a list of solicitors across Victoria who will help you to prepare your Will for a special low fee - or in some cases free of charge.
For more Information
To request a booklet, or to speak to someone in complete confidence, please call us on 1800 246 850 and ask to speak to our Planned Giving Department. Alternatively you can email us at vicbequests@redcross.org.au, or write to us at -
Planned Giving Department
Australian Red Cross
GPO Box 9949
Melbourne 3001
Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions section below to find answers to some of the questions that you might have.
Become a Guardian of Australian Red Cross
When you remember Australian Red Cross in your Will you will be invited to become one of a special group of supporters known as Red Cross Guardians, so that we can recognise your generosity during your lifetime.
It is a group made up of people who have demonstrated their commitment to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, and as a member you will be invited to exclusive events every year where you will be able to meet others who like you, support the work of Red Cross in Australia. In addition you will receive a newsletter twice a year keeping you up-to-date with developments at Red Cross, as well as events for Guardians and supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I make a Will?
A: More than 50% of Australians die without making one, but the truth is we should all have an up-to-date Will. Otherwise we risk leaving our relatives with hard decisions to make and complicated administration to attend to at a difficult time. Making a Will is a simple process, and it enables you to decide what happens to your assets when you are gone.
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Q: Why should I leave a bequest to Australian Red Cross?
A: Leaving a bequest to Australian Red Cross is a magnificent way of continuing your commitment to humanity. It is also a life-affirming gesture that will help provide essential services to the most vulnerable in our community for generations to come. You can have the satisfaction now of knowing that your bequest will support the Red Cross in the way you intended.
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Q: Can I specify one project or area?
A: Yes, you can specify a particular programme or area for your gift to be used, or you can leave it to the discretion of our Board. Our priority is to help people where they need it most, whether they are the victims of hurricanes or bushfires, elderly people living alone, or children at risk. By leaving your gift unspecified you leave open many doors of opportunity, but of course the decision is entirely yours.
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Q: How should I word a bequest to Red Cross?
A: "I __________________ give, devise and bequeath unto Australian Red Cross Society (insert state here if you wish) for its general purposes free of all duties, the following: (whichever is applicable)
- ______________% of my estate or the residue of my estate
- The sum of $_________
- Life Insurance Policy number_________________________
- Property (details)_________________________________________
- Other (details)_________________________________________
and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other Proper Officer of the Society shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor for the bequest."
The person must sign their Will in front of two witnesses, who will sign at the same time. The solicitor will assist and take you through the process, and you should always consult with him/her before making your Will or codicil.
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Q: What assets can I use to make a gift to Red Cross?
A: You can give almost any kind of asset through a bequest, These include securities, property, tangible personal property (such as works of art or antiques), and insurance policies. More usually it will be a specific sum or a percentage of your estate. A percentage bequest means that as the value of your assets increase over time, so too will your gift to Australian Red Cross.
If you are unsure it is always best to speak to your solicitor.
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Q: What if I've already written my Will?
A: You can easily amend a Will to make a gift without rewriting the entire document. Your solicitor can prepare the simple statement, called a "codicil", that adds a new bequest to us while reaffirming the other terms of your Will.
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