This month it is "Include a Charity Week", 16 – 22 October 2017, where charities across the country encourage people to consider leaving a gift in their Will.
Gifts left to St John in Wills make a huge impact. Below is Peter and Lois Steele’s story – read why they chose to leave a gift to St John in their Will.
Peter and Lois have a long association with St John, both individually, and as a couple. Peter was a cadet with St John Youth back in the UK, whilst it was Lois' father who gifted a piece of land to St John for the building of the Waiuku Ambulance Station.
Like most of us, Peter and Lois don’t like to think of needing to use the services of St John. However, when Peter had a stroke, both came to realise that you can rely on St John to be there, telling us, "You are just a phone call away".
To this day Peter remembers the calming influence of the Ambulance Officers. He tells us; "They were just amazing. They went about their job treating me calmly and efficiently, and constantly reassured me as they took me to Middlemore Hospital." Lois was at work when she received a call from the Ambulance Officers, and, despite it being an emergency, their reassuring tone gave her the confidence that Peter was in good hands.
Both Peter and Lois have the confidence that should they or anyone else need help, St John will be there. After having a stroke, Peter and Lois decided they needed to make a Will, and it was their confidence in St John that reinforced their decision to leave a gift to the organisation in their Will. When asked the question if they would like to leave any money to any charity whilst drawing up their Will, they said St John straight away.
Peter and Lois are ordinary people who have decided to do something extra-ordinary and have made a decision that will enable future generations to enjoy the same care that St John provided them. Wanting to do more but not having the money available now, they've chosen to leave a gift in their Will as it doesn't affect their current situation. Peter and Lois have peace of mind knowing that their gift will help their family, friends and future generations to come, and they have total confidence that St John will use their gift in the best possible way.
"We've worked all of our lives and want to give back to an organisation which has helped us greatly. St John is marvellous – it’s been there to help me and others I know, and I whole-heartedly support St John and encourage people to leave a gift to them in their Will as we have. We are comfortable with the knowledge that we will have done something good." said Peter.
Being from a close knit community where everyone helps each other, Peter and Lois see how integral St John is to communities like theirs across New Zealand.
By remembering St John in your Will, you can do as Peter and Lois have done and help support communities like yours for future generations.
We would ask you to consider leaving a gift to St John in your Will. We understand that, rightly so, your family and friends come first. However once you have thought of your family, friends and loved ones, we would ask that you consider leaving a percentage to St John.
If you have any questions about the St John Bequest programme or would like some more information about the services we provide please do not hesitate to contact Suzana on 09 579 1015 ext. 8472 or email her on Suzana.Noth@stjohn.org.nz.