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Gift in Will: Support Children in Need Beyond Your Lifetime

The Reality of Poverty in Australia

638,000 children are living in jobless families

I feel so lonely at school. I feel like I can’t keep up. All the kids know I’m poor.
Jenny, aged 8.

638,000 children are living in jobless families

For children like Jenny* , disadvantage at home leads to difficulties at school. They start their education without the early literacy and numeracy skills of their classmates. They are behind before they even begin. Since 1922, The Smith Family has been dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Australian children. In the last 30 years we’ve focused on educational programs to help children make the most of their school years.

Research proves that supporting a disadvantaged child’s education is a powerful way to make lasting change. Last year we supported more than 124,000 Australian children in need and their families through our programs. Sadly, for every child we can help, there are thousands more who need our help.

A Family Commitment

Geoff and Julie Winders speak about their parents’ legacy

“Our mum, Joan (pictured above with our dad John), trained as a nurse at RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney) and spent much of her working life in the palliative care ward at Greenwich Hospital. She met dad, John, on a boat to Australia in 1951 when he was emigrating as a ‘10 pound Pom’. Dad worked as an engineer and always felt that Australia provided him and his family, with so many opportunities. Mum and dad decided early on that they would like to make an ongoing contribution to The Smith Family.
Leave a gift in will
Geoff and Julie, Supporters.

When mum and dad told us, about 10 years ago, that they were including The Smith Family in their Will, it wasn’t a shock at all. It actually felt good to know that they were A family commitment Geoff and Julie Winders speak about their parents’ legacy backing up their passion for helping others. They had been donating to The Smith Family for as long as we could remember and it seemed like a natural progression of their giving.

It’s wonderful to think that their gift is now helping so many deserving students to get the most out of their education.

Whether it’s helping to pay for school outings or text books, football boots or even school uniforms, it’s so good for us to know that mum and dad’s legacy is living on and they are continuing to provide disadvantaged Australian children with the opportunities they need to help them thrive at school and into the future.

In fact, knowing that mum and dad had left a gift in their Will to charity has been a really good lesson for our families and we have decided that we would like to do the same.”

A gift for the future

The Smith Family is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for disadvantaged children and helping them onto the path of achievement. Through our Learning for Life programs we provide educational support to the children who need it most. Children like Jenny have proven that with extra reading support, homework help and a guiding hand, they can thrive. That’s what Learning for Life provides. But you can also help. Please give disadvantaged Australian students the out-of-school support they need to make the most of their education.

Today, you can change their future.

Mentor and girl sitting on library floor
84.2% of Learningfor Life students, wholeft school in Years10–12 were engagedin work and/or study,12 months after leavingthe program.
To learn more about The Smith Family, or to order your gifts in Wills Planning Pack, please contact us now.
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The difference you can make

Jenny’s confidence is growing each day. Her future is changing with every week she spends doing Learning for Life.
Jenny's mother.

The difference you can make

Year after year we see our learning support programs change lives, helping young Australians to break the cycle of disadvantage. Your legacy will ensure that future generations of Australian children have access to the support they need to get the most out of their education.

Whether this means staying in school until Year 12, taking up an apprenticeship, attending TAFE or university, you’re helping young Australians to make the most of their education – so they can create a better economic future for themselves and their families.

You’re not just helping one child today, you’re joining with The Smith Family and other like-minded individuals to make a difference to a whole generation of Australian children.

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Life changing-learning

"When I first met Jenny, she was eight years old, it was clear she was desperate to learn. She wanted to answer the questions her teacher asked her. She wanted to fit in.

The problem was simple: she couldn’t.

In class, she couldn’t read very well and often she wasn’t even sure if she understood what she was supposed to do. She’d just sit in class silently, trying to avoid being asked questions. Jenny built a wall around herself, retreating from classmates and falling further and further behind at school.

Jenny built a wall around herself, retreating from classmates and falling further and further behind at school.

Unfortunately, Jenny’s story isn’t unique.
Kimberley, Learning for Life Coordinator.
Three girls reading on library floor
Jenny, aged 8.
When Jenny started in our Learning for Life program, I was able to give Jenny and her family the extra support they needed. She was dedicated and keen.

With each hurdle she overcame, her confidence grew, and now, she may not be top of the class, but she’s right up there – answering questions and feeling confident in her abilities. This is where real change begins.

I see her beginning to enjoy school and I know she will reach her full potential.”

Giving the next generation a go

Heather and Rod Hawkins, supporters of The Smith Family.
“I’m a school teacher and I’ve worked with children from all kinds of backgrounds. When I became a teacher at our local school I started to become aware of the need for further help in education for disadvantaged students. The need for focused attention is especially evident when you have children who’ve had setbacks and struggles in their life – whether through immigration or growing up in poor families. These kids don’t have the confidence in their own abilities, that they’re in the right place and that people will help them. Coming from behind, feeling different and out of place – to feeling empowered, is a very difficult leap to make."
"I’m completely confident in The Smith Family’s commitment to education. We’ve had experience with lots of charities, and we really feel the money is well accounted for and will be well spent with The Smith Family – they’re a really efficient organisation. School is where children can build their future. We want to give the next generation a go. We want to help the ones who just don’t have the economic and social support to cope with the demands of education on their own.”
Education has enabled us to emigrate (twice) and to create successful lives in different countries. We want that for all Australian kids. That’s why Rod and I have left a gift in our Will for The Smith Family.
Heather, Supporter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gift in Wills

Without a Will, your assets will be distributed according to state law. By having a Will you can ensure that your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes so your loved ones and charities of choice are provided for.

The following standard wording can be included in your Will:

“I (insert name here) bequeath to The Smith Family ABN 28 000 030 179 (insert the percentage or residue of your estate, the amount of money, or the details of your property, shares, bonds or item of value). My bequest is to be used for the general purposes of The Smith Family. I declare that the receipt of the Secretary or other proper officer shall be a complete discharge of my bequest.”

For bequests for a defined purpose such as support for a specific Community Program (for example Learning for Life), or for use within a specific region, the wording in red above can be replaced with the following (or similar):

‘My bequest is to be used to support the Learning for Life program. If at the time of my death the program is no longer operating, then my bequest is to be used for the general purposes of The Smith Family.’

You may also require the following information:
• The Smith Family ABN: 28 000 030 179
• Registered address: The Smith Family, Level 17, 2 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

A financial gift will help us make the greatest impact on the lives of children in need. You can leave this as a specified amount in your Will or as a residuary gift, such as a percentage of your estate or the remainder of your estate once your loved ones have been taken care of.

You can also make a bequest in the form of shares, property or material gifts. We suggest speaking to a solicitor who can guide you in the most suitable bequest for your circumstances.

Your bequest has the power to help future generations of young Australians overcome the educational inequality caused by poverty.

There are different kinds of gifts you can leave in your Will, however many of our supporters choose to leave a monetary gift in the form of a residuary bequest.

Other options include a specified amount of money or an asset, for example real estate, shares, bonds or an item of value.

We will use your gift carefully and cost effectively to help disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school so they can create better futures for themselves.

We will give you, your family and loved ones the opportunity to engage with The Smith Family, and see firsthand the work made possible through your bequest.

While it is not necessary, we do appreciate it when our supporters let us know about their intended gift in your Will. This helps us plan for the future and gives us the opportunity to pass on our thanks for your generosity. You can do this using the attached form, or by calling us on 1800 024 069.

You may wish to make a gift of a specific asset, for example real estate, shares or bonds, or an item of particular value.

You can make a gift of the remainder, or a percentage of the remainder, of your estate once your loved ones and expenses have been taken care of. You can make a specific gift by simply stating the dollar amount in your Will that you wish to leave to The Smith Family.

There are no minimum amounts for a gift in a will. When you consider leaving a gift to The Smith Family in your Will, no matter the size, you are making a decision that will help future generations of Australian children. Your gift will give them access to the support they need to get the most out of their education and reach their full potential.

The following standard wording can be included in your Will:

“I (insert name here) bequeath to The Smith Family ABN 28 000 030 179 (insert the percentage or residue of your estate, the amount of money, or the details of your property, shares, bonds or item of value). My bequest is to be used for the general purposes of The Smith Family. I declare that the receipt of the Secretary or other proper officer shall be a complete discharge of my bequest.”

For bequests for a defined purpose such as support for a specific Community Program (for example Learning for Life), or for use within a specific region, the wording in red above can be replaced with the following (or similar):

‘My bequest is to be used to support the Learning for Life program. If at the time of my death the program is no longer operating, then my bequest is to be used for the general purposes of The Smith Family.’

You may also require the following information:
• The Smith Family ABN: 28 000 030 179
• Registered address: The Smith Family, Level 17, 2 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000

This is a personal decision for you to make, but we do suggest letting your family know of your wishes ahead of time. And please rest assured that all information about your gift in your Will will be treated confidentially by The Smith Family.

How To Leave A Gift In Your Will

Step 1. Speak to your family and loved ones

This is a personal decision for you to make, but we recommend letting your family know that you are planning to leave a gift to The Smith Family so they are aware of your decision.

Step 2. Decide what kind of gift to leave

There are three main ways to leave a gift in your Will to The Smith Family.

Infographic of a pie

Residual

You can make a gift of the remainder, or a percentage of the remainder, of your estate once your loved ones and expenses have been taken care of.

Infographic of a dollar sign

Specific

You can make a specific bequest by simply stating the dollar amount in your Will that you wish to leave to The Smith Family.

Infographic of a house

Asset

You may wish to make a gift of a specific asset, for example real estate, shares or bonds, or an item of particular value.

Step 3. Get the help of a professional solicitor

The Smith Family recommend that you consult a solicitor before writing, or updating your Will.

Step 4. Making your Will

To include your chosen gift to The Smith Family when you write your Will, provide your solicitor with the following wording:

“I ..................bequeath to The Smith Family ABN 28 000 030 179 (insert the percentage or residue of your client’s estate, the amount of money, or the details of assets your client wishes to leave). My bequest is to be used for the general purposes of The Smith Family. I declare that the receipt of the Secretary or other proper officer shall be a complete discharge of my bequest.”

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Connect with our team

For more information, please contact our gifts in Wills team by email gifts-in-wills@thesmithfamily.com.au, call  02 9085 7118 or fill out the form and we will be in touch shortly.
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