Legacy charity donation

Having worked at Guide Dogs for over six years I'm constantly amazed at the generosity that enables the organisation to literally transform lives, because none of it would be possible without the support of the public.

The media is constantly bombarding us with stories about the state of the economy and how everyone is ‘feeling the pinch’. While this is true, when times are tight, people who are keen to contribute to charities but don’t have the cash now may see a real appeal in making a gift in their will.

As a nation, we often shy away from discussing our wills because it’s too personal, too morbid, or just too confusing to talk about. But TV programmes like ‘Can’t take it with you’ are hopefully a sign that this is changing and it’s hugely important that we are able to discuss these things openly with our loved ones.

Why does it matter? There are 180,000 blind and partially sighted people who find it hard to leave home alone. Guide Dogs is committed to changing this but we are reliant on public donations to do so.

At any one time, Guide Dogs is responsible for around 8,000 dogs, all of whom we make a lifetime commitment to. It is gifts in wills that help us keep this promise because two out of three guide dogs are funded in this way.

We whole heartedly appreciate that there may be others at the top of your list when writing your will, but every penny counts and we are extremely grateful for gifts of any size. Even a small donation can lead to an improvement in people’s lives.

The benefits of gifts in wills are tangible and can be seen all over the country. I was at an event recently when a man, whose late wife was a Guide Dogs supporter, smiled warmly and told me that he and his daughter had met the two puppies named thanks to her gift. The idea that those puppies could go on to change someone’s life had inspired his wife, and he told me he also planned to leave a gift to Guide Dogs.

If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your will, there’s lots more information available on our gifts in wills website.  We are also helping to organise the first ever International Legacy Giving Day in September, an event being held to raise awareness about the importance of legacy donations to the charity sector.