Bequests

How PHHWV uses Bequest Donations

If you would like to support the work of the PHHWV in a meaningful and long-term way, then please consider making a bequest.

This is a way you can show just how much you care about the welfare of equines and your continued support for the work PHHWV undertakes.

It is hard to believe that PHHWV Princess had a foal at foot and was back in foal.  She was found with a large number of horses that had been left to run and breed at will.  There were already many horses deceased on the property.  Many mares had died leaving their young foals to fend for themselves in the middle of a drought – some survived some did not.  Princess was the only one happy to be caught of about 20 horses.  It took much negotiation with the owner to have her surrendered to PHHWV.  The initial though was to give her 24 hours of a warm stable and belly full of feed and kindly put her off to sleep to, we were sure she would struggle to make it though that first 24 hours.  But she had an amazing will to live and she made it – thanks to the dedicated carer.  There were a few moments in the first two weeks where things were not looking good.  She aborted her foal which was a blessing in disguise as this was slowly her recovery down.  After this she went ahead in leaps and bounds and has never looked back since.  She is now a companion to another aged horse with a family who just loves her to bits.

Without carers who we could never pay for their time and dedication this would not be possible.  But more importantly with out the kindness of people like you with donations and bequests we would not be able to give horses like PHHWV Princess a chance.  There are many vet visits in cases like this and not to mention the feed bill.  Your bequest ensures we can continue to help horses in need just like her.

What Sort of People Leave Bequests

Over the years there have been many bequests made to PHHWV by people who truly care about the welfare of equines and the tireless work PHHWV undertakes every year.

Tribute Written by – Marilyn Smithett Lynette was a fantastic friend. I had the privilege of knowing her for the last few years of her life. We had some good times and some sad times, but she was always positive and lived each day as if it were her last. Lynette never married. She had been ill for many years. She lived on her own in a lovely little country home on small acreage along with her dog Boo, horse Victa (as in ride-on mower) a few ducks that she had names for, and the many lovely birds that came to feed. Her life was very full.  She was always doing something or going somewhere.  She worked in tourism and had seen a lot of the world.  She would have a go at anything, from hot air ballooning to glider flying, snow skiing, swimming with dolphins, reef snorkeling, walking with the white tigers, riding camels and flying anywhere on anything.  She was a great person to travel with, had a wonderful sense of adventure and was so much fun.. She was a life member of Upper Beaconsfield Riders Club.  She competed in Dressage, Combined Training, Horse Trials and Navigation Rides.  She had taken Victa to Level One Dressage and had good results in all the other disciplines. She had a great network of friends who all loved her and took care of her. Her love for animals was paramount and they gave her the companionship that comes when one lives alone.  It was a very sad day when she left us, but you had to know Lyn to appreciate her humour and sense of fun.  She had Victa lead the way to church in front of the lovely Tobin Bros. black horse drawn carriage carrying her in her yellow casket adorned with paintings of her animal friends from her life.  A big pair of fluffy chicken slippers was on the front (her friends called her chicken legs) with a huge arrangement of daffodils and Iris on top (her favorite).  With over 300 people coming to say good-bye the church could not fit them all in.  The service went for 3 hours with a lot of humour and sadness.  She left the church to the music “wish me luck as you wave me goodbye” amongst the tears and smiles (her choice). She is buried under her chosen tree at the lovely Berwick cemetery along with her mum and dad. Victa still lives on with a very dear friend.  He is around 25 years old.  Boo went to other friends to be loved in the same. She was a very caring and generous girl to everyone around her and is sadly missed.  She taught me never to take life for granted and that things aren’t always as bad as they seem.  She had courage right to the end and life will never be the same without her.  Her legacy will live on through her generous gifts she left behind. Good on you Lynnie, you’re the best.

How to Leave a Bequest to PHHWV

Making a Will is important.  A properly drawn up Will, written by a qualified legal advisor, is the only way to ensure that you decide what happens to your assets and possessions after your lifetime.

A Will can protect your loved ones too.  If you die without leaving one, they could be subjected to additional worry at a great time of grief. It could also be left to the courts to decide who benefits. 

Naturally, your first concern will be to look after your family and friends. Once loved ones are considered, however, leaving a bequest to PHHWV is one of the most significant ways you can show your commitment to equine welfare.

Seeking the right advice
PHHWV always recommends you seek qualified legal advice when organising your Will. This will ensure that your wishes for your family, friends and others will be carried out. A Solicitor or Public Trustee representative can also advise you on the tax implications for your estate and other issues such as trusts, asset valuations, and power of attorney.

What wording to use
Your Will is a legal document.  To ensure that your wishes to give a bequest to PHHWV are carried out we recommend you consider using the following suggested wording in your Will.

How to Make and Word a Bequest to PHHWV

The following bequest clauses are recommended for insertion into the will of potential benefactors to Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria Inc. We thank you for considering us.

Suggested wording for your bequest to PHHWV:

Residuary bequest
“I BEQUEATH (residue clause) to PROJECT HOPE HORSE WELFARE VICTORIA INC A0027152D, ABN 96 820 500 367 ("the Association"), the receipt of whose Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Society shall constitute an absolute discharge to my Trustees”.

Pecuniary bequest
"I BEQUEATH to PROJECT HOPE HORSE WELFARE VICTORIA INC A0027152D, ABN 96 820 500 367 ("the Association") the sum of (AMOUNT IN WORDS) dollars (AMOUNT IN FIGURES) free of all duties, to be applied by the Association in pursuit of the purposes provided for in its Constitution and I DECLARE the receipt of the secretary treasurer or other proper officer of the Association shall be a complete discharge to my Trustee for any moneys paid to the Association."

A specific gift - such as your home
“I give (residue clause) to the organisation called the PROJECT HOPE HORSE WELFARE VICTORIA INC A0027152D, ABN 96 820 500 367 ("the Association") share and interest in my house known as (insert full address of property) or other my principal house or flat at my death absolutely and I declare that the receipt in writing of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Association shall be an absolute discharge to my Trustees”.

 

Bequest Q&A

Can I leave my horse to PHHWV in my Will for them to take care of?
PHHWV is not in a position to guarantee they would be able to take your horse/s into care should you pass away.  We would however always try and assist family members in some way in the event of your passing.  It is ideal to have already spoken to an experienced family member or friend what you would like to happen with your horse/s.  It is important to have these wishes documented in your will.

What is a good amount to bequest PHHWV?
This is a personal decision.  PHHWV are forever grateful for any amount that is bequeathed to our organisation.

Can I mention how I would like PHHWV to use my bequest?
Generally bequests are unconditional.  This allows the organisations to direct funds to where they are most needed at that particular time.  If however you would like you bequest to be directed to a particular area, for example Education, you will need to have this written into your will as part of your wishes.

If I am to make a bequest to PHHWV are there any taxation benefits?
There are benefits to making a bequest in your will to registered charities like PHHWV.  You will need to seek independent advice on this issue.  Your solicitor or accountant will be able to answer this specifically relating to your situation.