Laois people urged to make their will -66% of people in Ireland do not have a will-

80 charities who are all members of the MyLegacy organisation, in partnership with 400 solicitors, are joining forces for the third year running to encourage the people of Laois to make a will and consider leaving a gift to their favourite charity, regardless of size and after family and friends have been looked after.  Members of the public can avail of a will consultation to discuss a new or existing will with their local solicitor during Best Will in the World Week which begins on Monday 21^st October for a flat fee of €50. All participating solicitors can be viewed on www.bestwill.ie

Laois solicitors taking part to date include:

• James E Cahill & Company, Market Square, Abbeyleix, Laois
• Aidan O’Donnell & Co., Main Street, Portarlington, Laois
• Bolger White Egan & Flanagan Solicitors, 8 Lismard Court, Portlaoise,       Laois
• PP Ryan & Co., Rathdowney, Rathdowney, Laois
• Midland Legal, Fitzmaurice House, Bank Place, Portlaoise, Laois
• O’Sullivan & Hutchinson, Main Street, Portarlington, Laois

Speaking at the launch of Best Will in the World Week, Susan O’Dwyer, Chairperson, MyLegacy and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation said, “The culture of leaving a gift in your will to a favourite charity is in its infancy in Ireland. Many people just don’t realise that they can give money to charities in this way. However, the reality is that after looking after friends and family, a small share of whatever is left can make a long lasting difference to charities and the invaluable work they do. During Best Will in the World Week, Laois solicitors will help increase the likelihood of a gift being left to charity by simply asking the question at the will consultations. The Week helps to create that life changing moment, reminding us all how we can help the work of our favourite causes to live on.”

Recent research on charitable giving, leaving gifts in wills to charities and will making in Ireland shows that (1):

• Ireland was ranked as the second most charitable country in the world in the 2011 World Giving Index
• The Index showed that 75% of the Irish population gives money to charity every month (while 38% volunteer time and 65% help strangers)
• However only 34% of adults in Ireland have made a will and of those who have a will, it is estimated that only 10-12% have included a gift to charity
• Having a will appears to be a function of age as 82% of those over 65 years have a will whereas only 51% of those aged 45 – 64 years of age and 26% of those aged 35 – 44 years have a will
• Of those who don’t yet have a will, 30% would like to leave a gift to a charity in their will and this desire is highest among 18 – 24 year old respondents
• Charitable donations in wills are the foundation of many Irish charities generating nearly €26 million per year.

Also speaking at the launch was Leo Mangan, Solicitor & Best Will in the World Week national spokesperson said “The time for making a will is now.  It is easier and cheaper than most people believe.  Without a will, problems, both legal and personal, can be expensive and endless.    A will allows a person to decide who they wish to benefit.   If possible, as well as benefiting family, it can be good to provide a bequest to charity.    Everyone has a charity close to their experience of life and close to their heart.   Best Will in the World Week encourages such help.”

Susan O’Dwyer concluded, “We believe that this campaign gives people the opportunity to get cost effective, practical and impartial advice on will making easing practical and financial issues for loved ones later on. We encourage people to consider leaving a gift to their favourite charity, which can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience that in turn can benefit countless people after they are gone. But in order to do this, the first step is to make a will or change your existing will.”

• MyLegacy, established in 2003 is a coalition of over 80 Irish charities that have come together to promote the importance of will making and the power of leaving a gift to your favourite charity in your will. Please seewww.bestwill.ie

• During Best Will in the World Week 2012 (Monday 21st – Friday 25th October) solicitors across Ireland will offer will consultations for just €50 (including VAT). If there are any additional costs after the will consultation, these will be discussed by the solicitor separately with the client. MyLegacy asks that during this initial will consultation and subsequent drawing up of your will and when loved ones have been looked after, that people consider leaving a gift in their will to their  favourite charity. For a list of participating solicitors and member charities of MyLegacy, please visitwww.bestwill.ie