Do you have the Will to Give?

The Will to Give appeal is asking people to consider leaving gifts, large or small, to charities in their will. The not-for-profit formed in January 2011, with representatives from 19 charities working in Northern Ireland. Will to Give aims to work with the general public, will-making professionals and charities in Northern Ireland to promote legacy fundraising.

Speaking at the launch in early April, Colin Ferguson, Chairperson of Will to Give, said:

"We are asking people to leave a gift to their favourite charity in their will, after their loved ones have been taken care of. The people of Northern Ireland are among the most generous in the UK - by giving a gift in a will they can make a lasting impact.

"We want to dispel the myth that it is only the rich that can leave a gift to charity because anyone can include a gift or gifts to their favourite charity or charities."

Imelda McMillan, Vice President of the Law Society, stressed:

"The Law Society of Northern Ireland is delighted to be part of this initiative which highlights the importance of making a will and the value of speaking to a solicitor about ensuring that your wishes are carried out."

Will to Give was delighted to welcome special guest Audrey Roulston to the launch. Audrey has pledged to leave a gift to Marie Curie Cancer Care in her will:

"I have first hand experience, both personally and professionally, of the services they provide within the local community. I admire the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers, who go that extra mile to make a real difference to people in their hour of need.

"I decided to leave a gift in my will, so that I have the reassurance of knowing that a charity which is close to my heart will benefit."

Support

NICVA Chief Executive, Seamus McAleavey, spoke of his support for the appeal:

"This is a great example of local charities working together to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland can show their personal support for the valuable work of the sector. It really is a smart solution in tough times."

Colin Ferguson went on to add:

"It is amazing to see the good work that charities do as a result of a gift, large or small, from someone who has thought of them when making their will. People who leave a gift show extraordinary generosity and vision and so we ask the people of Northern Ireland, if you have the will to give - please make a will to give."

Anyone interested in more information or a leaflet on the appeal can ask their local solicitor for more information, or contact Neil Irwin at NICVA on tel: 028 9087 7777, or Colin Ferguson on tel: 028 9262 9500.

The facebook cause for the appeal is at www.willtogive.org