Preparing a will is a very personal and confidential exercise. Naturally you will use your will first and foremost to benefit your own family and loved ones.

But, like many other generous and thoughtful people out there, you may also wish to consider including one or more charitable bequests to institutions you have supported during your lifetime. It's a unique way to extend your hopes and beliefs beyond your own lifetime and to make a more substantial contribution than you might be able to now. Bequests to charitable institutions are also exempt from tax and may lead to savings in the amount of estate duty payable, if your estate amounts to more than R1 million. 

By naming the Children's Hospital Trust in your will, you can aid us in the much needed redevelopment and equipping of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.

While your legacy gift will provide for the practical things such as building and equipment, in reality it goes much further. It will be an investment in the future of the children of South Africa - one that will live on for years to come as a lasting memorial to your kindness and compassion.

If you are considering a bequest or legacy of love by including the Children's Hospital Trust in your will please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.

Types of Bequests

The simplest bequest is to name a fixed sum of money. However, to ensure that their charitable bequests will remain in proportion to other bequests, many people designate in their wills that a percentage of their estate must be given to a charity of their choice.

• Name the charitable institution as the residual beneficiary, to receive whatever remains of the estate after all other heirs have received their due.
• Property, such as a house or other real estate, valuable antiques or jewellery, stocks and shares, are just as welcome as gifts of cash.
• Sign over an existing life assurance policy which is no longer needed - or to take out a new policy, naming the institution as the beneficiary.

For more information on Bequests, please download the Children's Hospital Trust Bequest brochure. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for considering the Trust and the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital for your donations.