Why leave a gift in your Will?

Health is one of life’s greatest gifts. But when it’s taken away, we’re reminded just how much it matters. Leaving a gift in your Will is a powerful way to ensure your compassion lives on. It allows you to support future generations with life-changing health care long after you’re gone.

Your legacy can bring light, dignity, and life-changing care to future generations.

“I just wanted to give something back.” – Shirley Ellis 

Shirley Elizabeth Hope Ellis was a patient who never forgot the kindness she received at St John of God Health Care. Through a generous gift in her Will, she is now supporting life-saving cancer research that will impact countless lives. Her legacy is being honoured by Associate Professor Tim Clay, whose work is bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients across Australia. One woman’s gift. Many lives changed. That’s the power of legacy.

Jeffrey’s legacy to “pay it forward”

Jeffrey was deeply grateful for the care he received during his cancer treatment and chose to pay it forward in an extraordinary way. As part of his legacy, he directed a bequest to cancer research for the purchase of state-of-the-art chemotherapy chairs. Having spent many hours in one himself, he knew the comfort these chairs could provide during a challenging time. His bequest not only improves patient care but creates a meaningful, ongoing connection between his family and the hospital that supported him. His sister Elizabeth shared that the family is proud of Jeffrey’s legacy and thankful that others will benefit from his kindness. The chairs are a tangible symbol of his care — a lasting gift of comfort, hope, and dignity. Through his generosity, Jeffrey leaves behind more than a donation; he leaves a legacy of compassion.

Leaving a gift in your Will is a meaningful way to ensure your values live on bringing comfort, healing, and hope to others well into the future.

It’s easier than you might think, and every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to provide world-class health care for generations to come.

1. Look after your loved ones first

We understand your family and loved ones come first. After providing for them, you may choose to leave a gift to a cause that has touched your life.

2. Decide what kind of gift you’d like to leave

There are several types of gifts you can leave in your Will. The one that’s right for you will depend on your personal circumstances.

• A percentage of your estate (residuary gift).
• A specific amount of money (pecuniary gift).
• A specific item (such as shares, artwork, or property).
• The remainder of your estate after all other gifts are distributed.
• A life insurance or superannuation benefit.

Even 1% of your estate can make a lasting impact.

3. Speak with your legal or financial advisor or Will-writer

You can include a gift when making a new Will, or add one to your existing Will through a simple update (known as a codicil). Your legal or financial advisor can help ensure your wishes are legally and clearly stated.

 

4. Let us know

We understand this is a deeply personal decision. If you choose to let us know about your intentions, we would love the opportunity to thank you personally, and keep you connected to the impact your legacy will create.

Rest assured, any information you share will be treated with complete confidentiality.

Please contact Preema Wong, Director of Philanthropy on 1800 281 288 or email [email protected].

We welcome you to call us if you have any questions or if you would like a confidential chat about your wishes, how you would like to be remembered and what you would like to achieve through your Will. Any discussions that we have with you, and your decision to make a bequest, will be kept confidential unless you say otherwise.

Thank you again for your care and compassion. With your help, we can create a lasting legacy of compassionate care for generations to come.