Cape Town residents can draft their wills for free during Wills Week, from Monday 14 to Friday 18 September. The initiative also supports children’s health care across the Western Cape.
Many participating attorneys offer free basic will-drafting services during the week. The Children’s Hospital Trust encourages residents to consider leaving a bequest, or gift, in their will for paediatric healthcare.
Hospital never turns a child away
The trust raises funds for the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The hospital treats children from all walks of life. Moreover, it never turns a sick or injured child away, according to long-time supporter Wendy Ackerman.
The Ackerman family founded the Ackermans and Pick n Pay supermarket chains. Their ties to the hospital span three generations.
Ackerman’s father-in-law, Gus Ackerman, helped fundraise to build the hospital. Later, she and her late husband Raymond lost a grandchild who received care at the hospital.
“It wasn’t merely a big building opposite Rondebosch Common. It was an important part of the lives of the children in Cape Town and environs. Children came from all over the country.”
How a bequest works
A bequest is a gift you leave in your will. Donors can leave a specific amount, a percentage of their estate, or assets such as property or shares.
The trust started in 1994 and operates on strict governance principles, said Ackerman.
“Every cent that is donated to the Children’s Hospital Trust is placed in a project for the benefit of the children.”
Bequests are among the trust’s most critical sources of long-term funding because they allow the organisation to plan ahead.
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) approved the trust to issue tax certificates. As a result, donors can deduct donations against their taxable income.
Bequests also fall outside an estate for estate duty purposes. In addition, donated assets may qualify for capital gains tax relief.
Residents should consult their financial adviser, attorney or estate planner to understand the benefits relevant to their circumstances.
How to take part in Wills Week
Many legal practitioners agreed to draw up wills for free during Wills Week, said Ackerman. Residents should contact their attorney or legal adviser to confirm whether they offer this service.
Residents can also donate directly through the trust’s website at childrenshospitaltrust.org.za.
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