September is Wills Month – and Waipuna Hospice is asking the public to support their vital palliative care work in the community via their free will campaign.

In its fifth year, the campaign allows people to update an existing will or create a new basic will for free with a participating local legal firm in exchange for leaving a bequest gift to the hospice.

“This year our theme is: ‘Your Will power can change lives’,” says fundraising executive Wayne Bloxham.

“The basic premise is local legal firms will waive their normal fee to either update a will or create a will – based on the provision you leave a gift in your will to Waipuna Hospice.

“I think this is a win-win for everybody. Not only do people receive a professionally-made will but down the track they’ll have a big impact on people’s lives through a bequest gift in their will to Waipuna Hospice.”

Wayne says the hospice has a “very challenging” funding shortfall every year of millions of dollars – last year bequest donations made up one-third of the fundraising department’s income.

“This means bequests are a significant part of helping to meet that shortfall. Everything we do at hospice is for the direct benefit of those in the community who are affected by terminal illness and bereavement.”

Western Bay of Plenty residents John and Ellen Barrett says it was a “no-brainer” to give to Waipuna Hospice in their will. 

“Not only because they provided amazing care to my Mum, and grief support for my Dad, but because both John and I are cancer survivors,” says Ellen.

“We know how life can take unexpected turns. We didn’t think twice about leaving a gift in our will, because we know that one day, Waipuna Hospice might be caring for someone we know and love. It’s our way of helping.”

For those without a will in place, Wayne says this is a chance to plan for when they’re not around.

“It will cost them absolutely nothing today, but can make a big difference in future.”

Plus, a free will update is beneficial for those whose circumstances have changed – whether it be a birth, or a death.

And if you think you don’t have much to bequest, Wayne says: “Every little bit helps”.

Getting your free Will is simple – head to: https://www.waipunahospice.org.nz/wills-month-2023  or call (07) 552 4380 extn: 211.