Oxfam Ireland Homepage
  • 3 mins read time
  • Published: 4th December 2019
  • Blog by Seren Nurgun

Everything you need to know to leave a legacy

“Putting your house in order, if you can do it, is one of the most comforting activities, and the benefits of it are incalculable.”

Happy Family

Why?

Making a will can give you a comfortable peace of mind knowing that you can look after your loved ones, friends or your favourite charities, ensuring that your wishes are respected. Oxfam is a global movement of people who will not live with poverty. Across the world, we give people the support they need to turn their lives around, stand on their own two feet, care for their children and build a future free from poverty. Last year, we helped to support 19.5 million people in 90 countries.

15-year-old Grace* from Malawi used to have to walk two hours each way every day just to get to her classroom. The walk used to make her vulnerable to harassment from young boys and the worry of this used to influence Grace*’s concentration and performance in class. Since receiving a bicycle from Oxfam, Grace* can now speed past the boys who used to bother her, and spend less time travelling to school and more time learning. This impact in Grace*’s life was made possible by gifts from amazing supporters like you.

Young Grace on her new Oxfam bicycle. Photo: Corinna Kern/Oxfam
Grace* on her new Oxfam bicycle. Photo: Corinna Kern/Oxfam

How?

It’s easier than you think! First, work out what you've got. Start by sitting down with a nice hot cup of tea and write down everything you own – including savings, possessions, property – and their approximate value. Then, note down the names of relatives and friends – people you want to include in your will.

Match up the two lists and you’ll be ready to make an appointment with your solicitor or use our FREE online will-writing service.

Our Promise to You

Leaving a gift in your will to Oxfam Ireland is one of the best ways to support our work. In return, we promise you that:

  • Your legacy will help change lives. Every euro/pound you give will be stretched as far as possible. We will invest your gift efficiently and cost effectively, so it has the most impact.
  • Your privacy is paramount. We respect your privacy and will look after your gift to us with sensitivity, care and confidentiality.
  • We know that the decision is yours alone and that circumstances can change. You may, of course, change your mind about your gift to Oxfam at any time in the future.
  • We are discreet. You don’t have to tell us if you intend to leave a gift to Oxfam, but if you do, it will help us to plan future work and allow us to thank you.

We are always here. If there is anything you want to know about your gift to us, or the communities you are helping to thrive, please get in touch.

Thank You

With the help of supporters like you, we’ve been able to transform countless lives over the past six decades. In the last 20 years alone, over 660 million people have risen out of poverty; yet still one third of the world continues to live below the poverty line. But we know we can improve that statistic. Let’s make a world without poverty with the help of your legacy!

For more information, visit https://www.oxfamireland.org/donate/legacy.

*Name changed to protect identity