21 October 2015

Where there’s a will there’s a way

Presbyterian Support Otago is very fortunate to have strong community support for our work. People give in a variety of ways, one being leaving a gift in their will.

Including a charity in your will provides an opportunity to continue to support the organisations you have supported in your lifetime. Or, it may be an opportunity to support the charities you always wanted to, but were unable to in your lifetime.

Chief Executive, Gillian Bremner, recently had the pleasure of talking with Sally Angus, wife of the late John Angus MNZM, at her home in Lowburn, on this topic. Amongst his many interests and roles, John was a Presbyterian Support board member before standing down at the end of last year prior to his death in January 2015. He left Presbyterian Support Otago a gift in his will.

“We talked about John’s passion for the welfare of New Zealand children and his work for more than 30 years as a social worker, social development advisor and leader in child protection policy,” Gillian says.

“The New Zealand Children’s Commissioner from 2009 -2011, John was recognised for his services in 2012 by appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit,” she adds.

“John left a gift for Presbyterian Support Otago in his will to support our work with children and families. In talking with Sally about this act of generosity, she noted that it was entirely in keeping with his personal beliefs and values. “

John and Sally Angus

“John and I discussed the gift, and I feel it is simply an extension of his life’s work”, says Sally. “Of course I support his decision and am pleased that his gift will be put to good use, in accordance with his wishes.”

“I am very grateful to John and Sally for their contributions to our work, (Sally has been a volunteer Adult Buddy), and to Sally for taking the time to talk with me about John’s interests, and her views on how he would like his gift utilised to help children in Otago,” Gillian concludes.

All gifts, no matter their size, make a difference to our work. Each is received with joy and gratitude. If you would like to know more about including Presbyterian Support Otago in your will, please tick the ‘send more information’ box on the attached form. Or, call our Field Officer, Richard on 029 1200 132 for a private conversation.