CHARITY BEGINS AT CHRISTMAS
C
hristmas is the season of goodwill and a time not just of giving but with the huge challenges of Covid-19, a time to reflect on our place and meaning in the world we live in. At the essence of our role in society is what steps we take to support those in need and the causes that matter. Charities work tirelessly all year round to find a way either to help those in need and to make the world a better place. Perhaps it is time to reflect on how they manage to survive in these challenging times and our role in helping them do so, as now more than ever they need your help.
‘One of the most important things that one can do in their lifetime is to leave a legacy to charity’
being unimagined. Most charities would be unable to survive without legacies and by remembering them in this way you ensure that their work lives on. A monthly direct debit donation can be a great way to make an immediate difference to a charity. Choose an amount you can afford. This can be as little as a couple of pounds a month. Every little helps. Also, with Gift Aid the charity will receive even more. Donating through gift aid means charities can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you spend and it doesn’t cost you any extra but only if the donor has paid the same amount through income tax or capital gains tax that year. Websites such as www.gov.uk provide very useful information on this which help the donor seek clarification.
‘The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it’ -William James
Many readers have now reached a time in life where they have all the material things they could possibly want. Why not ask friends and
s
One of the main ways of supporting is to give a legacy, a note of intent in one’s Will. With careful consideration and wise investment this could be a great asset to a charity (or charities) that are chosen. Anyone can leave money to charity in their Will, but it can sometimes be a delicate subject when approaching family members.
The Institute of Fundraising has guidance and principles on the topic. Making a Will is very simple, firstly find a solicitor or professional Will Maker. In fact, some charities are offering fee Will writing services. You can also amend an existing Will to include a legacy to one or more charities as many people prefer to help more than one cause. It is a gift that will help those who need it most, even the smallest of legacies can make a huge difference to a charity that on a daily basis raising funds is a challenge. Within the magazine there is a diverse cross section of charities all very worthy of consideration. Spend the time reading up about them and their work and the difference you can help them make. Follow a cause that is close to your heart, the reward will be a feeling of well
RETIREMENT
today
Charity begins at Christmas
From leaving a legacy to purchasing Christmas cards, there are many ways you can help charities at Christmas and beyond
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