September newsletter 2024

Do you want to leave a life-changing legacy?

That's the question we're looking at in this month's issue of your monthly Stroke Foundation newsletter. September is Wills Month in New Zealand, so this month you'll learn about why it's important to have a will, how the Stroke Foundation can help you write your will for free, and the lasting impact you can make by leaving a gift in your will.

Writing a will is important, no matter how old you are or how much you own. Not only can a will reduce financial and emotional stress in the future, but it also gives you the opportunity to appoint guardians for your children and pets, and ensures your assets go where you want them to, so the people you love are well looked after. It spells out exactly how you would like things handled, in a way that is aligned with the values you’ve held throughout your lifetime.

After providing for loved ones, you can also choose to include a gift to a charity or cause of your choice. A gift to the Stroke Foundation in your will is a simple and effective way of supporting us and creating a lasting legacy. Leaving a gift in your will has no effect on your current financial situation, and it will make a huge difference to the future of stroke services and support in New Zealand.

We’ve partnered with Gathered Here to offer our supporters a free online will. In just 10 minutes, you can make important preparations for your family and ensure that your estate will be distributed in accordance with your wishes. 

Even if you’re not ready to pledge a gift to the Stroke Foundation, you can still use this opportunity to complete your will for free. Whether you include a gift or not, completing your will is an act of kindness to the people closest to you.

I drafted my first ever will today. I'm in my late 40s so it was probably long overdue. It was remarkably quick and easy - it took me less than 30 minutes. I'm genuinely surprised at how much better I feel, knowing that if I pop my clogs anytime soon, the people and good causes I care about will be provided for. And I know my cat will also be relieved knowing I have appointed him a responsible guardian for his old age, should I not be around.

I lead the team at the Stroke Foundation that helps incredible hardworking Kiwis, like you, to think about their future donations to charity and the legacy they want to leave behind. If you would like to find out more about including a gift in your will to help prevent stroke and to help stroke survivors and their whānau have the best possible recovery, please do get in touch with me. Our conversation will be completely confidential and I can talk you through how your gift could make a difference. Or if you're clear about your wishes, have a look at writing your will on Gathered Here today.

Noho ora mai, stay well

Jess Winchester
GM Marketing and Fundraising | The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand