LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL AND CREATE A LASTING LEGACY
Throughout our 45 years of operation, we’ve received minimal government funding and currently receive none for our Hearing and Medical Assistance Dog programs. Our organisation relies heavily on the generosity of Lions Clubs, the Australian public, and supporters who choose to leave a gift in their Will to us. Whether it’s a donation today or in years to come, a gift in your Will has a greater impact than you can imagine.
Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most powerful ways to continue your values and create a lasting impact. It’s a deeply personal decision, often made during life’s biggest moments, such as becoming an adult, starting or ending a serious relationship, buying property, becoming a parent, or facing illness. Whatever your circumstances, it’s a meaningful way to ensure that what you’ve worked hard for is allocated according to your values—long after you’re gone. A gift to Lions Assistance Dogs is a great honour and a sign of trust in the work we do. Your legacy will help us continue caring for our people and our dogs for years to come, and it’s a wonderful way to become part of our extended family.
What Kind of Gifts Can Be Left?
There are several simple and meaningful ways to include Lions Assistance Dogs in your Will, depending on what feels right for you and your circumstances. You may choose to leave:
- The sum of a certain amount (a pecuniary gift)
- The residue of your estate (what remains after all other gifts and expenses have been distributed)
- A percentage of your estate
- A percentage of the residue of your estate
Gifts that are a percentage of your estate or the residue are particularly valuable to us, as they tend to maintain their real value over time and can make a significant, lasting impact.
Whatever type of gift you choose, we encourage you to seek advice from your solicitor and—if appropriate—discuss your wishes with your family. These conversations can help ensure your intentions are clearly understood and respected.
TRISH'S LASTING LEGACY
Patricia or ‘Trish’ as she was known by her family was the eldest of 7 children and in a way was the second mother of the family. As described by her younger sister Christine, 11 years age difference, Trish taught her lots of different things, including how to tie her shoelaces. Trish was caring, nurturing, the peacemaker of the family, organised and most of all, adored her family and friends. Treasuring every moment with them as this was one of the most important things to Trish.
In her spare time, Patricia spent most of her time making mosaics, volunteering, and learning various languages. Trish absolutely loved learning. Perhaps her favourite role was aunt to her nieces and nephews. She would love taking them on outings and always loved being secret Santa every year.
Patricia connected with the Australian Lions Hearing Dogs community as she herself had a cochlear implant and really empathised with those who suffer from hearing loss like herself. The work that Lions Assistance Dogs really resonated with Patricia and she saw the kind of help the organisation gave to those in need and decided to support the organisation with a bequest. Patricia gave ALHD a very generous gift when she suddenly passed in 2019.
Her generosity helped fund Hearing Assistance Dog Maisie who is now a fully accredited Hearing Dog and currently resides in Victoria. Throughout Maisie’s journey, monthly updates were sent to us so we all enthusiastically followed her journey and were very proud of her. It was so amazing to watch her grow into the amazing assistance dog that she is today and we were so proud when she passed her training and was able to find her forever home to help someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
It is hard to put into words the feeling you get when a deceased loved one is still honoured and appreciated after they are gone. Receiving those monthly reports on Maisie has given us definitive proof that Patricia’s legacy has continued on after she has passed and has been able to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Lions Assistance Dogs has undeniably honoured Patricia’s legacy, keeping her memory alive for the entire family. The sense of appreciation and the continued connection with the organisation have been invaluable in preserving her legacy and the impact she wished to make. If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will, we strongly recommend that you absolutely go for it! Lions Assistance Dogs have been so fantastic at communicating with us and showing us their appreciation for our family. The personal touch was greatly appreciated by us.
Patricia’s memory remains alive and her legacy continues to inspire and benefit others in the future. Her bequest helped so many of their programs including the Hearing Assistance program as well as the start of the Medical Assistance Dog program.
A big thank you to Christine, who was Patricia’s sister for her contribution and beautiful photos. Patricia had a lot of love to give. She was so loved by her family and is missed every day.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
For a confidential conversation, feel free to contact:
Alix Katala
Development Director
(08) 8388 7836
alix@lionsassistancedogs.com.au
Your enquiry will be handled with complete confidentiality and in line with our Privacy Policy. We also strongly encourage you to seek legal advice when preparing or updating your Will.
