The cost of living has put a serious squeeze on household budgets, everything is more expensive and just getting through day-to-day can be tough.

Add in Christmas, and it’s extra difficult.

However, in an uncertain world, many of us have a desire to help those who we see struggling.

One way to make a difference and help others without busting your budget is to leave a gift to charity in your will.

Over the past 5 years, Kiwis have left over $180 million to New Zealand charities through Public Trust wills in amounts ranging anywhere from $200 to $2 million and more.

The Cancer Society Auckland and Northland is one such charity that benefits from kind Kiwis leaving legacy gifts.

In fact, more than 40% of the total income received by the Society is from gifts left by people in their wills.

“Cancer Society Auckland and Northland is truly grateful for all donations we receive,” says Relationship Manager Ashleigh Harvey.

“Some of these donations are gifts that people have left in their wills – right from a few hundred dollars to their entire estate. Any amount we are left helps, as this support from donors is vital for us to deliver our services and fund cancer research.”

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are supported on their cancer journey by the Cancer Society, from specialised care from nurses and counsellors to staying at Auckland’s Domain Lodge during their treatment. 

The gifts also ensure the Cancer Society can commit to funding life-saving cancer research and help improve care and treatment for future generations. This is especially valuable at a time when the Society has seen some of their regular donors either reduce their payments or stop giving altogether due to difficult financial situations.

Ashleigh says that people are motivated to leave money for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they have been through cancer themselves, or have watched a loved one go through it.

Once a supporter lets the Society know they have left a gift in their will, they will be kept up to date on how their future gift will impact the Society’s work.

“It’s important that donors can trust their gift will be used wisely and understand how much we value this special support,” says Ashleigh.

While it’s your decision how you share your legacy through your will, Public Trust recommends talking to your loved ones about your choices so they don’t come as a surprise and they can support your wishes to be carried out once you have gone.

Christmas can be an especially good time to talk to whanau about your choices and make these important decisions together.

So, if you’re looking for a way to make a difference this festive season, add a Public Trust will to your list and make a legacy gift.

Small sums add up. Here's what a donation to the Cancer Society Auckland and Northland could fund.

$24 helps our drivers get people to their treatment appointments.

$58 provides counselling for someone and their whānau affected by cancer.

$107 helps someone stay for free at Domain Lodge when they to travel to Auckland for treatment.