The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit
Nelson Henderson
A bequest is a gift in your will which costs you nothing now, and is a significant way of keeping your ideals and compassion alive while making a lasting contribution to the specialized care of Helderberg Hospice. Charitable bequests are a way of keeping your compassion and values alive for years to come.
A bequest, whatever the size, offers you the opportunity to have an impact on generations to come, and in doing so, to perpetuate your name or that of a loved one. Particularly if your children are grown up and self-sufficient, you may find tremendous satisfaction in using your will to help make the world a better place and to touch the lives of people in need.
Leaving A Bequest To Helderberg Hospice
When you leave a legacy to Hospice care, you provide vital funds to care for patients in their final illness. Your gift will provide practical help relief from pain, emotional support and spiritual comfort at a time when it is needed most. Helderberg Hospice has been approved by the South African Revenue Service as a Public Benefit Organiastion in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act.
Any bequests to Helderberg Hospice are therefore exempt from payment of Estate Duty in terms of Section 4 (h) of the Estate Duty no. 45 of 1955. This means that the amount of any bequest to Helderberg hospice may be deducted from the net value of the Estate when calculating the Estate’s liability for Estate Duty purposes. It is evident that a gift to Helderberg Hospice in your will, of whatever size, benefits all concerned – your family and the patients we serve.
Types Of Bequests
The type of bequest you choose will vary according to individual circumstances. Here are some options your may want to consider:
- A specific sum of money or item. This is the simplest bequest but it is a good idea to think about the effects of inflation on the amount. What may seem like a lot now may be significantly reduced over time
- A percentage of your Estate. This ensures a fair division between all your beneficiaries, whether your estate grows or is depleted by inflation or unforeseen costs.
- All or part of the residue of your Estate. This allows you to provide first for your loved ones and ensures a fair division between all your beneficiaries. Once your Estate is assessed, any gifts made, and all expenses taken care of, you can give what is left to Helderberg Hospice.
- Life assurance policies. Some policies may lose their relevance as our circumstances change. a gift of a policy like this will make a real difference to the work of Helderberg Hospice.
What Happens If You Already Have A Will?
Your will is not a static document and should always reflect where you are, and your circumstances in your journey of life. Your legal advisor will encourage you to update your will every four to five years, or with any significant changes in your life circumstances.
If you have a current will and you know you would like to support Helderberg Hospice, you can easily add a codicil regarding your gift. The most important thing is to discuss your wishes with your family and relatives before you make these simple changes to your will or have a codicil drafted to incorporate them.
Once you have proved for your loved ones, your girt to Helderberg Hospice will make a difference, not just for today’s patients but also for those we will be privileged to serve in the years to come. If you are considering a bequest to Helderberg Hospice, please contact us to discuss the options. We would appreciate the opportunity to say a discreet thank you, and to plan with you a fitting tribute to your generosity.
Bequest Liaison Officer
Telephone: +27 (0)21 852 4608
Email: bequests@helderberghospice.org.za