Madeline Bequest
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Madeleine's Legacy

With her bequest, Madeleine's passion for refugees will live on.

How do you want to be remembered? For your compassion, generosity and kindness? One of the most inspiring ways to ensure the values you care about live on is to leave a bequest. 

Madeleine was inspired by the generosity of her parents to support those who aren’t as fortunate as us in Australia. Now retired, she has everything she needs and decided to leave a gift to Australia for UNHCR in her Will to ensure that refugees receive the care they need for many years to come. By remembering Australia for UNHCR in your Will, you too can make a lasting impact on the lives of families forced to leave their homes in search of safety. You can ensure they receive vital support, even beyond your lifetime, providing protection, food, water, shelter, education and healthcare to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Here Madeleine shares why she chose to leave a gift in her Will to Australia for UNHCR and ensure her passion for supporting refugees will live on.

Why have you been so motivated to support refugees over the years?

When I became an Australia for UNHCR donor in 2014, I was very upset by news stories about the crisis in Iraq. People were in such dire straits, forced from their homes and living with no food, no shelter. My heart bled for them. They were perishing, really.
I was raised by parents who believed we are part of the world’s shared humanity, and who taught me and my siblings to ‘count our blessings’ and ‘live beyond our own noses’. When I saw what was happening in Iraq, I felt compelled to respond. Over the last four years I’ve given as often as I can to Australia for UNHCR. Refugees are the poorest of the world’s poor, and their needs are so enormous.

Madeleine Photo1

Why did you decide to leave a gift in your Will to Australia for UNHCR?

I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I’ve retired now but I spent many years working in jobs I enjoyed, surrounded by family and friends and living in my own home. I’ve got everything I need, and then some. For most of us here in Australia, if we need help, there is help available. In places of turmoil, there often isn’t.
When I read about, or see on the news, the work that UNHCR does, I’m amazed. To look at the staff on the ground, going into the places they do to help refugees – I could no sooner do that sort of work than fly, but if I can help a little from here in Australia, I will.
As someone who supports refugees, I want a world where everyone has the right to be safe, to have dignity and hope for the future, even if I’m not around to see it.

What would you say to someone considering leaving a gift in their Will to support refugees?

I know that Wills are a very personal matter. But if you, like me, feel ready to think about the kind of legacy you’ll leave behind, I hope you’ll consider leaving a gift to Australia for UNHCR.
My gift isn’t huge, by any stretch. I’m not wealthy, just an everyday Australian. A gift in your Will doesn’t have to be a million-dollar gesture! Every bit counts.

By leaving a gift to Australia for UNHCR, no matter how large or small, you can create a legacy that saves lives.

FIND OUT MORE


For more information about leaving a gift in your Will please contact our Planned Giving Manager Aylin Salt on (02) 9276 6871 or [email protected] or download your free bequest guide here

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Our fundraising impact

The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.

75%
Humanitarian programs
13%
Admin
12%
Fundraising