KERRY GAA legend Pat Spillane is appealing to people in Kerry to leave a legacy gift for a good cause.
Irish charities have noticed a positive increase in rates of legacy giving over the past five years, according to research carried out by My Legacy, an umbrella group of 80 Irish charities who are this month, celebrating My Legacy Month with ambassador Pat Spillane.
The research, released today (13.09.22) to mark International Legacy Giving Day, also revealed that 44% of their member charities believe that the biggest challenge to increasing legacy giving in Ireland is down to a lack of awareness about how to leave a legacy gift for a charity. As the ambassador for My Legacy Month, Pat Spillane hopes to change that.
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Speaking at the launch of My Legacy Month, Pat said: “Having recently made some big career decisions in my life and having taken a step back from my GAA punditry, it has given me time to take stock and consider what’s important to me and what I want next in life. My father died suddenly when I was very young and reflecting on that time, I realise how important it is to have your affairs in order for your own peace of mind and for your family too.
“Some people might be uncomfortable talking about wills and it can be something that people put on the long finger but it is a much easier process than people might realise. It’s an important task whatever stage of life you’re at – whether that’s buying your first home, starting a family, or even retiring or taking your career in a new direction like I am right now.
“Leaving a legacy gift in your will is a really valuable way to ensure that a cause you care about is supported in the future. One of the myths around legacy giving is that it only applies to very wealthy or older people but in reality, anyone can make a difference by including a gift in their will and planting a seed for the future,” he said.
Pat and My Legacy are calling on people from Kerry to grow their own legacy by considering a gift to a charity in their will.
According to My Legacy, the three simple steps involved in writing a will are:
• Make an appointment with a solicitor: To discuss your wishes and decisions for the future.
• Look after loved ones: A will provides for your loved ones, assigns guardians, protects assets, and can help reduce inheritance tax.
• Consider a legacy gift to charity: If you have a cause close to your heart, consider including a gift to that charity in your will. A gift may be big or small and is tax free.
Further information on how to make a will and the My Legacy Month campaign is available at www.mylegacy.ie.
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