WILL POWER: Robert McBriarty who will donate money to Vision Australia. Who will you leave money to when you die? Of course there are family members and close friends. But what about charities or a cause close to your heart?
An organisation designed to support more than 130 of Australia’ s most respected charities has launched a campaign to garner much needed support for those in need.
EMMA SWAIN reports.
When Robert McBriarty shifts off his mortal coil those facing blindness will be the beneficiaries.
Similarly when Jack Drewe died, he left a lasting legacy by bequeathing a portion of his funds to Guide Dogs Australia.
But while more than 70 per cent of Australians support charities only 7.5 per cent of people leave a gift of charity in their will.
Mr McBriarty, 67, of East Maitland, is one of them.
For as long as he can remember Mr McBriarty’ s family has been plagued with the genetic eye disorder ectopia lentis, defined as displacement or malposition of the crystalline lens of the eye.
“ Because of our genetic eye disorder I have been a passionate supporter of Vision Australia so when I was putting together my will I decided to leave some of my money to the organisation,” he said.“ It’ s only a small pledge but it’ s good to know that when I go I have left something behind that will help others.
“ All charities have a lot of trouble getting money so whatever you can give will make a difference.
“ I’ m not Bill Gates or anything but my small contribution may help someone.”
Another case in point is Jack Drewe. Following his death in 2007, the Guide Dogs of Australia became a tad wealthier.
“ I was very surprised when dad included the guide dogs in his will because he never spoke about it while he was alive,” Jack’ s son, Philip Drewe, of Rutherford, said.
“ So when his will came through it was a lovely surprise and I plan on doing the same. Charities are struggling everywhere and it’ s nice to leave a legacy behind.”
Include a Charity – which represents more than 130 charities in Australia such as the Children’ s Medical Research Institute, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation – has launched a campaign to encourage more people to