With acknowledgement to Heidelberg Hospice.
Bequest
A gift in your will costs you nothing now, and is a significant way of keeping your ideals and compassion alive while making a lasting contribution to the specialised care of Hospice Bloemfontein.
Something about Hospice Bloemfontein
Hospice Bloemfontein is a registered Non-Profit Organisation; as such we receive no financial assistance from the state. All the funds needed to enable us to serve the Bloemfontein community are therefore those we raise ourselves through the efforts of our staff, volunteers, donations and, more importantly, Bequests. Bequests are vital to the continuing provisions of our service to the community, so we earnestly request you to remember Hospice Bloemfontein when considering bequests in your Will. To this end we hope that the following will provide greater clarity about bequests and answer any questions you may have. Please contact our general manager info@hospicebfn.co.za for any further details or clarifications.
What is the best kind of bequest?
The type of bequest you choose will vary according to individual circumstances. Here are some options you may want to consider: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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 Hospice Bloemfontein. 4. 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 Hospice Bloemfontein.
Why leave a bequest to charity?
Charitable bequests are a way of keeping your ideals, your compassion and your vision 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. Hospice Bloemfontein has been approved by the South African Revenue Service as a Public Benefit Organization in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act. Any bequests to Hospice Bloemfontein are therefore exempt from payment of Estate Duty in terms of Section 4 (h) of the Estate Duty Act no. 45 of 1955. This means that the amount of any bequest to Hospice Bloemfontein 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 Hospice Bloemfontein in your will, of whatever size, benefits all concerned – your family and the patients we serve.
How your bequest should be worded:
To ensure your bequest benefits Hospice Bloemfontein as you intended, you need to use the following wording in your will: “I give and bequeath (an amount, a percentage of my estate, the residue of my estate, description of property or assets) for the (general purposes/specific programme) of Hospice Bloemfontein.”
How would hospice Bloemfontein use my bequest?
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. If you wish, your gift could have an even greater impact – perhaps providing new hospice facilities or ensuring that particular aspects of our care will be sustained for future generations. If you are considering a bequest to Hospice Bloemfontein, 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.
What happens if you already have a Will?
Your will is not a static document and should always reflect where you are, and your circumstance, 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 Hospice Bloemfontein, you can easily add a codicil regarding your gift. The wording can be the same as suggested above. 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 provided for your loved ones, your gift to Hospice Bloemfontein 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.